CHESTER DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS WIRRAL BRANCH

NEWS DESK ARCHIVE 2001

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Date	News Item
23 Dec 2001	Congratulations to West Kirby's 12 year-old Jake Rathbone, who rang his first Quarter Peal today for the 9 Lessons and Carols service. A QP rung for evening service at Port Sunlight was dedicated to George Phillips on the occasion of his 50th birthday today. See Campanophile for details. The method was Superlative, one of George's favourites. The ringing was rather good too!
15 Dec 2001	Prior to the well attended Branch Meeting at Port Sunlight, a handful of Wirral ringers visited the tower at Christ Church, Higher Bebington. Besides the 8-Bell Mears and Stainbank chime (hemispherical bells cast in 1920), there is also an 1859 Naylor Vickers bell hung for full-circle ringing in the tower where it was relocated when the tower was built in 1884. It was formerly hung in a bell cage outside the east end of the north aisle and, being cast in steel, shows all the weaknesses of such material being badly pitted through corrosion. Presently it is not possible to ring full circle, partly because the wheel rim is in a poor condition but mainly because the rope (hawser?) is attached near the top of the wheel rather than at the garter hole!
10 Dec 2001	John Hyden writes...This is just to let you know that I met up with some of my leading peal-ringing friends yesterday to ring my 200th peal of Stedman Triples which was successfully completed at Smethwick Old Church, West Midlands. It was also the first peal of Stedman Triples on the bells. This was preceeded by the first peal of Caters on the recently augmented ring at nearby Northfield. Whilst this was only my 64th peal of Stedman Caters, it was the 300th for Jim Hedgcock, a former Merseyside ringer.
24 Nov 2001	At the Wirral Branch AGM held today at Eastham, the meeting approved the proposed Branch Programme 2002 except the date of the April meeting at Bidston to avoid clashing with the Liverpool Ringers outing to the Isle-of-Man. Officers for 2002 were also appointed including our new President - Rev. Diane Watson, Rector of St Bartholomew's, Thurstaston. We also welcomed Steven Hughes back on to the Committee. The meeting also approved the proposal to donate £200 from our Bell Restoration Fund towards the Thurstaston project (augmentation to six).
17 Nov 2001	The celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the hallowing of Liverpool Cathedral Bells saw eleven past and present Wirral branch ringers attending the dinner at the Adelphi Hotel. (This is becoming something of a habit for some Wirral ringers who were at the same venue earlier this year on the occasion of the Central Council Dinner).
5 Nov 2001	Paul Williams of Eastham conducted his first Quarter Peal today - at Bromborough. Congratulations! See Campanophile for details.
29 Oct 2001	Surprise Major Practice at Bromborough: Randle writes:- "This event was very well attended with 7 Wirral Towers represented. We were not superstitious about 13 Wirral ringers as we also had the 2 young Pauls from Liverpool. We rang all the methods suggested i.e. Cambridge, Yorkshire and Rutland this ranged from just a few leads to a touch of 3 spliced. All the ringers who attended enjoyed the night and the ringers who had spent some time learning a new method were successful and rang well. Part of the ringing was for Steven's younger brother who also rang well and unassisted, hunting the Treble to Plain Bob Triples. The next Surprise Practice is at West Kirby on Tuesday 27th November. The methods are Yorkshire, Rutland & Lincolnshire. The plan is to work are way through the "Standard Eight" over the next few months. Obviously for ringers who have only just got to grips with Cambridge we will ring that for them. Also, if ringers only wish to concentrate on one method and one method only, we can accommodate them."
27 Oct 2001	At the Branch Meeting at Oxton today, Alex Martin was formally presented with the Peal Board, commemorating the peal rung to mark Alex's 80th birthday (last year!) and service to ringing, which was dedicated by The Rev. Canon Geoffrey Davies during the service. See Oxton Home Page for a brief report and photographs of the presentation and peal board.
21 Oct 2001	Peals were rung today (Port Sunlight)and yesterday (Woodchurch) to mark the 25th anniversary of Peter Hughes' first peal (Plain Bob Triples at Woodchurch). The peals included four ringers who rang in Peter's first peal - John Hyden and Peter Furniss (Woodchurch), Alex Martin and Geoff Sparling (Port Sunlight). Alex conducted Peter's first peal. The peal at Woodchurch was also Peter's 100th as Conductor in Wirral Towers. Congratulations! See Campanophile for details. Also, today, Rock Ferry ringers, with assistance from the Branch, rang for Sunday service for the first time in many a long year! It is anticipated this will become a regular feature, the bells being rung after morning service until the band is self sufficient. Also Michael Bench-Capon conducted his first Quarter Peal today at West Kirby. Congratualtions! See Campanophile for details.
13 Oct 2001	A well-struck, error-free Quarter Peal of 1288 changes of Plain Bob Triples was rung in 45 minutes at Bromborough this morning following a service, attended by the Mayor of Wirral and the Chief Scout, commemorating the opening of the new Scout Headquarters which were opened during the ringing of the Quarter Peal. See Campanophile for details. Steven Hughes writes: It was my 13th quarter of the year, on the 13th day of the month, it was rung for the 13th Bebington Scout Group, and it was also my 113th quarter as conductor!
6 Oct 2001	Three Wirral Branch ringers who are also Sunday Service ringers at Liverpool Parish Church (St Nicholas, Pier Head) represented this tower in the LACR 6 and 8 Bell Striking Competitions today. Joint first in the 8-Bell and outright winners in the 6-Bell was the outcome. Names? Geoff and Sue Sparling and someone called Peter Humphreys.
16 Sep 2001	Following the terrorist attacks in USA on September 11th the following tributes were rung at Wirral towers this Sunday as summarised below. Bebington: Half-muffled (all 8 bells) for both services. Eastham: Half-muffled ringing for morning service. Bromborough: Half-muffled ringing for morning service. Heswall: Five minutes of Two Whole Pulls and Rounds followed by five minutes of tenor tolling as lead-in to morning service. Port Sunlight: Tenor tolled for last five minutes of ringing for morning service and for same duration just prior to evening service.
2 Sep 2001	A number of Wirral Branch ringers and ringing friends from around the region met at Chester Cathedral this afternoon and successfully rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques. This was John Hyden's first quarter as conductor of Stedman Cinques - in fact his first quarter as conductor of any Stedman. Congratulations!
15 Aug 2001	Congratulations to Sean Wharton of Port Sunlight who, at the age of 11 years, rang his First Quarter Peal today at his first attempt. See The Ringing World No 4714 p879.
6 Aug 2001	Wirral Branch Towers West Kirby, Heswall, Liscard, Bebington, Port Sunlight, Rock Ferry and Eastham (any others?) played host today to a party of 36 visiting ringers mainly from the London area. Peals, Quarter Peals and general ringing were all included in their ringing programme. 'Famous names' included Stephanie Pattenden and Robert Lewis (Editor of The Ringing World). Shame about the weather!
28 Jul 2001	The Branch Meeting held at West Kirby today was very well supported with ringers from outside the branch also in attendance. The Striking Competition was 'won' by the West Wirral contingent but the opposition suffered a major setback, the band proving too strong for the conductor after a method error was encountered! The Rounders Match also tended to be a bit one sided but all enjoyed the fun. No problems with the Barbecue, of course. Thanks to the West Kirby ringers for a most enjoyable day and splendid weather (for which they cannot claim credit!)
24 Jul 2001	Clarence Brown of Neston, better known to his ringing friends as 'Croaker' on account of his gruff voice, passed away today after a long illness which had curtailed his ringing 'career' in the late nineties. In November 1993 he achieved his ambition to ring a peal, tenoring behind to Plain Bob Triples. But he will be better remembered as a loyal Sunday Service ringer over many years at his home tower.
21 Jul 2001	Paul Williams of Eastham rang his first peal today. Congratulations! It is understood the last time an Eastham ringer rang a peal at Eastham was 29th December 1962 (the month the conductor of the peal was born!), when an almost local band peal was rung, Donny Peers being the only non-Eastham ringer, the others being Keith Halford, Gillian Scarth, Gillian Halford, Ken Edwards and Martin Vogwell.
30 Jun 2001	Blessed with fine weather, the Branch visit to Capenhurst and Chester (St Mary-Within-the-Walls) was followed by a Treasure Hunt. The rare opportunity to ring at St Mary-Within attracted a number of visitors from outside the branch (including one from Leicestershire) but not all attending were prepared to tackle the two vertical ladders to gain access to the ringing chamber! Winners of the Treasure Hunt were Geoff and Sue Sparling. Congratulations are, however, due to all participants as the crowds of revellers from the Chester Races ensured plenty of distractions. Thanks are due to Graham Carter who made the necessary arrangements for ringing at St Mary-Within and also organised the challenging treasure hunt.
9 Jun 2001	The 8-Bell Striking Competition at Handbridge to day was won by the East Branch. All five branches entered a team this year and the competition was judged by Chris Gay. The Wirral Branch band was: Janet Jones 1, Sue Sparling 2, Steven Hughes 3, Randle Tinkler 4, George Phillips 5, Eric Jones 6, Colin Hughes 7, Geoffrey Sparling 8. The results: 5th South Branch 52½ faults; 4th Wirral Branch 43½ faults; 3rd Chester 34 faults; 2nd Mid Branch 26½ faults; 1st East Branch 19½ faults. Randle Tinkler
13 May 2001	At the Wirral Branch 6-Bell Striking Competition held at Shotwick today, Oxton ran out winners. See Report on Branch 6-Bell Competition 2001.
28 Apr 2001	A joint Liverpool Ringers / Wirral Branch Outing to the Isle of Man took place today. Some 115 persons, including 33 from the Wirral Branch took the SeaCat ferry, visiting St George's , Douglas (181/2 cwt 10), St German's, Peel (91/2 cwt 8) and the 8-bell chime at St Thomas, Douglas (13 cwt). Thanks to Graham Austin and Nick Willasey, both of Liverpool, for organising this joint venture. For more detail see IOM 2001 in the REPORTS section (Home Page Index).
23 Apr 2001	The Branch Quarter Peal Week while resulting in only four being scored (one lost) did have some noteable achievements. Peter Robson of Thurstaston rang his first quarter of minor (ringing PB Minor 'inside' at Burton); David Jones, David Banaszek and Rhiannon Matthews, all of Neston, rang their first PB Royal, all ringing 'inside' at Oxton while David Jones also rang his first of Little Bob Major, this at Heswall. Congratulations to all!
16 Apr 2001	The Easter Monday Walk and Ring took place today, much as planned. At the last minute, the Wirral Way had been declared open to the public following partial closure due to restrictions associated with foot-and-mouth disease. The previous uncertainty may have prevented some ringers from attending, but those who did, some 15 or so, took advantage of the much improved weather to enjoy the walk (or cycle) from West Kirby via Thurstaston and Heswall to Neston. Thanks to Peter Robson of Thurstaston who made the arrangements, his first 'event' since joining the branch committee last November, and to all the towers for allowing use of their bells.
7 Apr 2001	There was a special 3 hour practice at NESTON this morning, supported by other ringers in the branch for the benefit of Neston's learners. Ringing ranged from Rounds & Call Changes to Plain Bob and Cambridge Surprise Minor. (Steven Hughes)
6 Apr 2001	Rock Ferry practices, which have been regularly held on Monday evenings, have continued to the present date with all 6 recruits from the congregation being as keen as ever. Please note, however, that there will be no practices during Holy Week (9th Apr), Easter Monday (16th) nor on 23rd, when there will be a PCC Meeting. Practices resume on Monday 30th. Kindly contact the Branch Ringing Master if you wish to help at these practices.
31 Mar 2001	The GUILD ANNUAL REPORTS 2001 are already available and have been widely distributed throughout the Wirral Branch. Additionally, new Guild Service Booklets have also been produced and distributed with the above reports. Kindly contact one of the Branch Officers quickly if you require further copies of either. The RINGING WORLD ROAD SHOW, held today at Keele University, was well supported by the Wirral Branch with ringers from the two Wallasey towers, Neston and Bromborough in attendance.
24 Mar 2001	At the Branch Meeting held at Bidston today, some 45 ringers, augmented by members of the Bidston congregation, attended the service during which a Peal Board, commissioned following the peal rung in memory of Banky Pemberton, was dedicated. Anyone wishing to see the peal board is advised to check first before attending practices which are now 'irregular'. (See Bidston Tower Home Page) The meeting was followed by ten-pin bowling at New Brighton attended by over twenty ringers and friends. Despite the best efforts of the staff to persuade us we were not only too late, had not booked enough lanes and could not wait another second, we took over our three booked lanes and enjoyed our games. With a fair bit of competitive bowling within the teams and a lot more between the teams, we managed some very high scores. Two of the teams had to resort to having the novice bowler grills installed, to cover up the gutter. Our team didn't, but we still put up an excellent score. Bob the cheer leader was less biased and encouraged us all to bowl to the best of our abilities. Thanks to John, for collecting all the cash, and Anne for organizing it all. (Randle Tinkler).
23 Mar 2001	From the LEADING QUARTER PEALERS list appearing in this week's edition of The Ringing World (issue no. 4691 pp292/3), the leading Wirral Branch Ringer is Lindsey Bryant of Heswall with 63 to her credit for 2000. Also in the list are Mark Humphreys (53), now Oxford based, and Janet Jones, West Kirby (52). (Mark has since scored his 500th Quarter Peal and joins 'Dad' and George Phillips as the third Port Sunlight taught ringer to reach this landmark.)
31 Jan 2001	As many people will know, the Central Council annual meeting is in Liverpool this year. The "Gala" dinner to be held at the Adelphi Hotel on 27 May, commencing at 7.00p.m. with drinks with the "dignitaries" and the meal itself is 8.00p.m. With three courses for only £21 (not including drinks) it should be a good night out. Why not go? Contact Randle for more information.
22 Jan 2001	Ringing at Garston, John Hyden (Unattached) scored his 600th peal today of which 300 have been Stedman. Congratulations, John!
1 Jan 2001	Today, Mark Humphreys and Vicky Halliwell, both of whom commenced their ringing careers at Port Sunlight, rang a Peal of Stedman Cinques (for the College Youths) at St Paul's Cathedral, the first time either had been invited to ring a peal there.

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