Junior Ringers' Meeting
BEBINGTON, 13th April 2002

"We don't see many of our younger ringers at Wirral Branch meetings. Perhaps they think that they are the only young ringers in Wirral and would feel out of place amongst the elder ringing fraternity!"

"So why don't we have a meeting just for junior ringers?" suggested Janet.

And so it was agreed that we do just that. And despite a late change in the proposed date of the meeting (as some would be joining the Liverpool ringers on the Isle-of-Man outing which was on the same day - 20th April) the meeting was well supported. With ages ranging from just 9 years (Kate Walsh of Port Sunlight) to nearly twenty-one (someone from West Kirby who may wish to remain nameless!) some fifteen young ringers from six Wirral towers descended upon St Andrew's Bebington.

Under the guidance of our Ringing Master, Randle Tinkler, all were kept busy with mostly rounds and call-changes being rung. For some, this was their first experience of ringing in a tower other than their home tower. The final piece of ringing was a plain course of Bob Doubles achieved with a little assistance from the person whose idea this meeting was.

Branch Committee members (names with pictures (for most) are on this website) were delighted with the response and look forward to something similar in the not too distant future.

However, there are other opportunities to meet up again, next Branch Meeting at Bidston, for example. And the May Day Walk between towers in villages near Chester should provide an excellent opportunity. Also watch out for details of this year's Summer School. See you there?

The following pictures (all can be 'enlarged' by clicking on them) were taken at Bebington. Perhaps those who were unable to attend may now feel they missed something special!

Thanks to the ringers, and incumbent, at Bebington for the use of the bells and to all helpers on the day. And special thanks to Geoff Sparling for use of his digital camera!

Who was there?
(L to R): Sam Price, Mike Lunt & Lucy Price (RF); ??? (non-ringer); Gregg Foreman & Danny Whale (WSH); Kate Walsh (PS); Paul Harrison & Jake Rathbone (WK); ?? (non-ringer); Cheryl Williams (E); Claire Walsh (PS); Jennifer Stockill (B); Alex Nye (E); Rachael Elkin (PS); Robert Stockill (B); Sean Wharton (PS). Key: RF=Rock Ferry; WSH=Wallasey St Hilary; PS=Port Sunlight; WK=West Kirby; E=Eastham; B=Bebington.
Mike, Lucy, Sam, Alex, Gregg & Danny - Rachael (just!), Claire, Sean, Kate, ?? (non-ringer), Robert and Jennifer all ready to start!