Southern District Quarter Peal Day, 27/04/2016

Southern District Quarter Peal Day – Wednesday April 27th 2016

Following on from the successful quarter peal day held last year in the Andover, Hampshire area our second was held in the East Dorset area on Wednesday April 27th, Swanage being the home tower of one of our members Sally Jenkins.

The day started cold, but bright and sunny, with six members meeting at Canford Magna Church in the grounds of Canford School. Following a successful quarter of Cambridge Surprise Minor some moved to Lychett Matravers and others to Corfe Mullen where they were joined by other members for further quarters.

It was then off to The Bankes Arms, Corfe Castle for lunch. With the sky becoming darker and darker outside and a sudden hail storm we appreciated the warming soup and other delights on offer.

Following lunch some stayed to ring at St Edward’s in Corfe Castle while others went on to the beautiful village of Worth Matravers enjoying the panoramic views of Swanage Bay en route.

The day concluded with ringing at Swanage, one of the finest rings of 8 in Dorset (if not the finest!). They were indeed a joy to ring and a very enjoyable quarter of Grandsire Triples was rung, with thanks to Mike Jenkins for covering on tenor behind.

We scored four out of the six quarters attempted with 15 members (and one associated ‘laddie’) taking part. Although it is always good to score, members were encouraged to participate in the day and quarter peals were planned to suit their varying levels of experience. Quarters scored included doubles, surprise minor and triples, with two ‘firsts’ achieved. Details of the quarters are here.

Everyone enjoyed the day in this beautiful part of Dorset and maybe the Quarter Peal Day will become a permanent fixture in the yearly programme of events!

Pat and Polly