Author Archives: Elizabeth

Three Diamond Jubilee Quarter Peals

Members of Docklands were involved in three quarter peals rung on 3 June 2012 to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Thames Procession. All details can be found on Bell Board:

—— Waterloo at noon —— Rotherhithe at 4.30pm —— Stepney at 8pm ——

Special mention is due to Andrew Smith ringing his first ever quarter (well done!), Alison Hammond, ringing her second (well done!), Andrew Clark conducting his first of Triples (fantastic!), Kevin Turner ringing his first quarter of Grandsire Triples (well done!) and Greg Rose covering on Stepney’s Tenor for the first time (way to go!). Andrew Clark, Ed Bucknall and Elizabeth LeMoine rang in all three bands.

We’d like to thank visitors who helped to make up our bands. Graham Slade, Tower Captain at Hurst in Berkshire pitched up at Waterloo to join the practice whilst waiting for the Thames Procession to begin. He willingly joined the quarter peal band instead (relieving Trisha for more pressing duties!). John Moore and Iain Davey from Balcombe and Crawley respecitvely, last minute recruits roped in at Friday’s Camberwell practice, enabled us to ring Triples at Rotherhithe. Their bonus was access to Rotherhithe steeple for great views of the dispersing procession vessels. Sebastian Lucas, Liam Sims and Tom Lawrance, members of the Foster Lane Band coming from other performances elsewhere, enabled us to ring Triples at Stepney. Thanks to all for helping out!

Well done to everyone for contributing to the celebrations and for a perfect 3 out of 3!

CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

There’s nothing like becoming Tower Captain to highlight one’s ringing shortcomings. Imagine my delight when offered a place on a training event geared towards developing and honing some basic conducting skills of which I am wanting. This was offered by Michael Uphill – in fact, it was his last appearance as Surrey Training Officer.

It was a good morning and thoroughly instructive. The Surrey website now features Michael’s article on the Devon Short Peal in which he describes his very good reasons for including it in his training curriculum. His article is followed by a student ‘review’ (well, he did ask).

www.surreybellringers.org.uk/news/using-call-changes-improve-striking

So, go on. Ask me to conduct a Devon Short Peal.

Sign up to ring for the London Marathon 22 April 2012

Docklands Ringers will be ringing on the route of the London Marathon for the 5th consecutive year on Sunday 22 April. This year we return to our original pitch in Evelyn Road, Deptford.

Weather was a mix of sun and showers

It’s a fun – if early – morning’s work and if you’ve never rung the Charmborough bells, this is your chance. We need a team to unload (before 7.30am) and erect the ring under the supervision of Roger Booth. Any ringers who want to join in and provide the ringing are very welcome. There’s usually time for two quarter peals and some open ringing. We’re on a site with a few spectators, too, so we’ll use the recruitment opportunity to hand out leaflets and talk to interested passers by. When it’s all over the ring needs to be dismantled and loaded on to its trailer. Access is easiest from Cutty Sark DLR (about a 10-minute walk). For other transport, check the TfL website for changes to bus services and access, as it’s not possible to cross the route once the marathon is underway. Come and cheer on ringers running this year, including Clara Westlake and our own Gill Harris!
Please contact Jonathan if you’re available to help in any capacity.

Essex Ringing Course

The renowned Essex Ringing Course is coming up in April (Thurs 12 – Sat 14). This is a residential course with an excellent reputation and a wide range of training opportunities offered. It is open to anyone and the closing date for applications is 17 February (course fee for adults: £45). Have a look at their pdf (link below) to get more information. If there’s anything you’re unsure about, feel free to discuss with your tower captain, ringing master or tutor.

http://www.eacr.org.uk/files/documents/course/brochure_2012.pdf

First inside for Andrew Larsen

A quarter peal of Plain Bob Doubles conducted by Andrew Clark was rung for Evensong at Stepney yesterday, 8 January. As well as being our first quarter of 2012, for Andrew Larsen (3) it was his first inside and reputedly only the fourth quarter of his ringing career. Moving right along and gathering no moss! Well done, Andrew! The Campanophile link is: www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?135475

A delighted Andrew Larsen ponders whether to go for a beer or have a nap