A survey of ringing on New Year's Day reveals that at least 125 ringers took part on this unique occasion, from Capenhurst in the East to Wallasey (2 towers) in the West. Each of the 16 towers has its own band of ringers and, for the most part, general ringing took place. Quarter Peals were rung at the 8-bell towers of Heswall and West Kirby, and on the 10 at Oxton.
Later in the day ringing took place at the remaining three towers in the Branch which do not have their own bands. Quarters were rung at Liscard, Wallasey and Rock Ferry, whilst a peal of Cambridge Surprise Minor was rung at Shotwick, the first there since 1977.
This event requires full Branch support. Liscard bells will be available from 3.00 - 3.45pm and Rock Ferry 4.00 - 4.45pm.
After the service at Eastham, tea will be provided at a moderate charge of £2.50 followed by general ringing on these newly re-furbished bells.
The committee extends its grateful thanks for all the hard work Susan has put into the tasks that she has so willingly undertaken over the years of her service. We will all miss her much-valued input and trust that, in the fullness of time, she will once again be able to contribute to the various activities of the Branch.
We think of Susan in these difficult times and hope to see her at Branch events from time to time.
Did you know that 6 out of 8 Branch Committee members have e-mail?
Did you know that at least 30 Wirral Ringers have e-mail?
Did you know that we have a Listbot discussion group?
Did you know the Wirral Branch Website includes the current Branch Programme, Notices and Tower information, which includes details of bells such as weights and inscriptions?
Photographs or other information can be added - please contact the Wirral Branch Secretary.
By far the most efficient method to submit Quarter Peal detail to the Ringing World is via e-mail.
This will save postage and ensure earlier publication. But please make sure that the format is EXACTLY the same as that used by the Ringing World (e.g. no full stops after initials etc.) or they will need to edit which will delay publication.
And, if you have an on-line banking facility, you can even send your donation without incurring postage costs.
Contact the Wirral Branch Secretary (Tel: 0151-608 9434) for details.
Our team consisted of: 1, Peter Humphreys. 2, Ernest Carvell. 3, Paul Irvine. 4, Ian Robertson. 5, Robert Peers. 6, Randle Tinkler. 7, Chris Eden. 8, Steven Hughes.
In spite of some excellent ringing, the local team from Mid-Cheshire won, with just 16 faults. With 33 faults Wirral came last, but it was a creditable performance nevertheless.
Over the past six months reports have been submitted on the Wirral Branch Quarter Peal fortnight, the Peal at Shotwick on 1st January and Ring-in 2000. To date none of these reports has appeared.
The Branch Secretary has, as a result, sent a strongly worded letter drawing their attention to the matter. We know they have had leadership problems but with a new editor at the helm we hope they will quickly get back onto an even keel.
Well done from the Branch!
Please contact the Listbot Site Owner Chris Eden., who will gladly send you an invitation to subscribe to this free service.
Visit our Website at: www.mountpark.freeisp.co.uk/wirralbr.htm
Another tower in need of help is Burton (Thursdays) but please check with Randle for both practices beforehand.
We shall miss his skill and enthusiasm for ringing, and his patience with learners. He was a good friend to us all.
With the relaxed rules in place, seven teams took part including two from the host tower and a joint Bromborough and Eastham team. Both Bidston and Heswall had sent their apologies, so we were denied having nine teams, which may have been a record for the event. The results were as follows:-
| 1st | Port Sunlight | 3 faults |
| 2nd | Oxton | 4 faults |
| 3rd | West Kirby | 6 faults |
| 4th | Bromborough/Eastham | 7½ faults |
| 5th | Wallasey St Hilary A team | 12½ faults |
| 6th | Wallasey St Nicholas | 21½ faults |
| 7th | Wallasey St Hilary B team | 27 faults |
If you get asked to ring for a wedding at another tower, remember that Bebington, Bromborough, Heswall and West Kirby set the standards, although you can expect to ring both before and after at Bromborough and West Kirby.
Towers visited were Cleckheaton, Drighlington (where the tower keeper was so impressed he went off to wind the clock), Upper Armley, Bramley, and Pudsey. No prizes will be awarded for guessing which method was rung on this heavy eight! A coach-full of tired but happy ringers came home planning 2001's tour.
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