Umpires Report of the Record Peal of Uxbridge Surprise Major

Port Sunlight

Saturday May 22nd 2004.

Throughout the peal, every lead end and call was to be checked and verified against a printed composition output, and the time of each course recorded by the team of five umpires; no other assistance was to be provided. In addition to the presence of an umpire at all times, a CCTV link was set up from a camera high up in the ringing chamber to a TV in the church below, thus allowing the many church visitors, attracted by the sound of the bells, to see the ringers in action.

The band and chief umpire met at 9:45 am and, following rope adjustments careful positioning of glucose tablets, words of encouragement and advice from the conductor, the bells went into changes at 10:05.45. The ringing immediately settled into a steady rhythm despite a few early trips caused by nerves, and the first course took 8m 21 s, equivalent to a peal speed of 3h 8m for a 5056. As the band began to settle into their task the ringing grew more confident and the peal speed gradually increased; course length timings reduced successively by 1-2 seconds over the subsequent six courses. A few minor trips caused the ringing to become slightly unsettled, and the conductor advised the band not to be tempted to speed up and to keep the ringing steady. With the ringing settled, the speed increased bringing the peal speed down to 2h 53m by the first part end (of three); the band had been ringing for 2h 0m 52s. The second part passed uneventfully; the ringing was rhythmic and pleasurable to hear. Half way came up after 2h 57m 59s, and the ringing remained consistent as it approached the next part end.

The second part-end was recorded at 3h 53m 54s, and the band embarked on the last third of the peal, and into the psychologically hardest stage of the attempt. Within a few courses the ringing reached what was to be its fastest speed - the 35th course recorded a peal speed of 2h 44m. At the same stage a few hesitations began to appear - the majority being self-corrected trips - however, none of these affected the inherent rhythm. The conductor was very quick to encourage the band to improve the quality, and asked for more concentration, and the ringing regained its confidence though at a gradually declining speed. The last few courses were rung well, matching the quality achieved earlier on, and despite evident weariness from ringing these none-too-easy bells.

The first two umpires, who had been watching the FA Cup in the pub next door to the church, returned to the churchyard to witness the final courses in the bright sunshine; the bells ran back into rounds after 5h 48m 30s after a good peal had been rung.

Conclusion

Special mention should be made of Peter Humphreys who organised the event, publicity and facilities so comprehensively. He was present in and around the church throughout the attempt, and was responsible for an excellent advertisement for the ringing exercise. The umpires would also like to thank Mark Humphreys for keeping them regularly entertained throughout their shifts.

On behalf of my fellow umpires. I confirm that all lead ends were checked, all calls were made correctly, and that the peal was rung to suitably high standard such that I can recommend it be ratified as a record length in the method.

Michael A Wilby (Chief Umpire)

Hannah L Wilby

Celia F Hughes D’aeth

Paul J Tiebout

John ST Willasey