CHESTER DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS
WIRRAL BRANCH

2002 STRIKING COMPETITION
BURTON
Saturday 15th June: Draw 6.00 pm
Judges: Steven Hughes (Bromborough) and Geoff Sparling (Wallasey St Nicholas)

As last year, the judges were both Wirral Branch members, not a trend we wish to continue but which circumstances dictated.

Prior to the competition, the tower was open for general ringing throughout the afternoon although wedding duties delayed the arrival of a number of ringers. Thereafter, a 'bring-your-own' picnic was enjoyed in the church grounds, the slight rain holding off until later in the evening.

Bands

For various reasons, only two towers were able to muster Sunday Service Bands but there was generally much interest in competing as 33 ringers took part, this including a 'Wirral Belles' and 'Wirral Blokes' all ladies and all gents ringers respectively. We were also pleased to welcome a mainly Liverpool guest band. The only Wirral Tower bands were from Port Sunlight and Rock Ferry, the latter entering for the first time since ringing resumed there in 2001.
The order of ringing was: Liverpool, Wirral Blokes, Wirral Belles, Rock Ferry and Port Sunlight. The first three bands rang 120 changes of Plain Bob Doubles, Rock Ferry rang call changes and Port Sunlight Grandsire Doubles.

Results

Announcing the result in 'reverse order' the judges placed the bands as shown in the table below.

1stWirral Blokes8 faults
2ndWirral Belles14 faults
3rdPort Sunlight16 faults
4thLiverpool 'All Stars'20 faults
5thRock Ferry45 faults

Port Sunlight were presented with the Alex Martin Shield and go forward to represent the Wirral Branch in the Guild 6-Bell to be held on 13th July in the Mid Cheshire Branch (Stretton). This is the twelfth win by Port Sunlight since their first success in 1985. The judges also commended Rock Ferry for their brave effort.

With thanks to the Incumbent and Church Warden for granting use of the bells for this event.


Band photographs

Wirral 'Blokes'
Wirral 'Belles'
Port Sunlight
Liverpool 'All Stars'
Rock Ferry

Return to top Summary of 6-Bell Results.