By the end of the following year, the band had scored its first on eight, this being the eighth QP since that first experience into the unknown. Over the next few years the number of quarters being rung steadily increased, with the band scoring a number of firsts in method: Grandsire Triples in March 1984, Cambridge Surprise Minor in May, Plain Bob Major in June and Stedman Triples by September of the same year. All this was achieved under the watchful eye and with the encouragement of our new 'task-master' Paul Mills who had moved to the area from Birmingham. The first Surprise Major, Rutland, was soon to follow (April 1985) and, during 1988, Bristol and then London were scored, the latter performance ensuring completion of the Standard Eight.
In terms of the number being rung, the peak years were 1988 (46), 1989 (53), 1990 (50) and 1991 (44). Although QPs continued to be rung in the following years, due to the departure of key members of the band, the numbers were fewer, varying between a maximum of 31 (1998) and 4 (1999).
The tenth QP in 2000, and the 500th on the bells since that first venture in 1982, came on 24th September, the band comprising those present and former Port Sunlight (PS) ringers (still active) who had rung most QPs on the bells, as shown in brackets in the detail below. Three of the band (ringers of 2,5 and 7) were members of the original 1982 band. Two other PS 'centurions', since lapsed, are Lisa Jones (155) and Robert O'Halloran (128). In all some 35 PS ringers have rung in these QPs over the years, 27 of whom learnt on the bells.
Leading conductors, all PS ringers, are George Phillips (118), Mark Humphreys (112), Paul Mills (94) and Peter Humphreys (54) while a further ten PS ringers have conducted 62 between them making a total of 440 (88%) by the local band.
So not all of these QPs have been rung by Sunday Service bands, but the total includes only 4 visiting bands not including a PS ringer. Indeed, PS ringers have taken the ropes more than 3000 times representing over 82% participation.
It is also recognised that some QPs will have been rung on the bells prior to 1982 but information has proved difficult to obtain. Whatever the number, it is believed, locally, to be rather small.
Port Sunlight ringers take this opportunity of thanking all those, mainly Wirral Branch, ringers who have provided much valued help over the years in enabling them achieve the above.
Port Sunlight, Wirral. 24 Sep, 1250 Cambridge S Major: D J Hocker [105] 1, Brenda D Humphreys [379] 2, Christine Mills [162] 3, Michelle C Dixon (formerly Taylor) [210] 4, P F Humphreys [443] 5, M A Humphreys [264] 6, G W Phillips [405] 7, P D A Mills [139] (C) 8. Rung prior to morning service during which two new peal boards were dedicated; 60th birthday compliment to ringer of 5.
Analysis of methods rung
| Method | Doubles | Minor | Triples | Major | Total| Plain Bob | 16 | 35 | 28 | 32 | 112 | Grandsire | 77 | - | 69 | - | 146 | Stedman | 4 | - | 33 | - | 37 | Surprise | - | 44 | - | 135 | 179 | Spliced Surprise | - | - | - | 26 | 26 | TOTAL | 97 | 79 | 130 | 193 | 500 | |
| Return to Port Sunlight Home Page | Return to top |