A Fun Web Site for the Bellringers in North West Suffolk

TheAnnual District Meeting was held today at Ixworth and although it was a disappointing turnout numbers wise, the members who did come enjoyed an afternoon with plenty to do.

Business meetings are not usually the favourite way to spend a Saturday afternoon but the meeting itself only accounted for less tha  25% of the whole event.

The Guild mini ring was available for people to get to grips with ringing tiny bells one handed and we were very lucky that the weather was so kind, as bells full of cold water are not the most pleasant way to take a shower! As is the case with all things new, some took to it as a duck to water but for some rather prolific tower bell ringers the challenge proved to be just to far to reach.

Inside Ian Holland had kindly brought along his set of handbells and one ringer who had not rung handbells for over 40 years surprised himself by ringing a pair to first plain hunt and then Plain Bob.

Upstairs the new ring of eight was put through its' paces and some well struck surprise major, double norwich and call changes were rung throughout the afternoon.

In the Tower entrance some wood turned items were for sale which had been crafted from the old headstocks of the previous installation at Ixworth. These included, bowls, egg cups, candlesticks and pen holders. They were very reasonably priced, and certainly did not reflect the amount of work required to produce them. Orders can be taken by Cedric and he can be contacted via David Reeve at Ixworth. Obviously they will be limited in number because of the source of the wood. Great idea for a present as a keepsake of the old Ixworth bells.

Evensong was led by Rev. Liz Jump and she did an excellent job of keeping it short and to the point, while at the same time preserving the dignity and reverence that a 400 year old order of service deserves. David Brand made an excellent job of playing the organ, another one of our multi talented district bellringers! He is also a verger and at some point has sung in the church choir I believe.

The tea was provided by the staff at the Greyhound at Ixworth and there was far more than everyone could eat. I can recommend their outside catering skills for  sandwiches and cakes certainly.

The business meeting did not bring forth any surprises and was dealt with in a brisk but efficient manner. I am afraid that you are stuck with the same officers as last year but the general consensus is that we seem to be doing a good job. The full minutes can be read here.  I look forward to seeing a good number of you at Toppesfield the first tower of our District Outing next month on 14th of November. The route and menu can be seen on the local events page.