Fresh from the branch outing in May, which took us to the Cotwolds, we found ourselves much nearer to home this time, at the beautiful Church of "St Mary the Virgin" in Speen. The south side of the church was converted into a hall during 1987/1988 by dividing the north from the south side with a glazed partition. The Hall is a great asset to the church as it means the congregation is able to meet together after morning service for refreshments and conversation, and to welcome new members. The hall is used for many church functions throughout the year. It was here that Churchwarden Brian Nobes and his team welcomed us for the branch social day and annual church bell striking competition. The bell tower holds a ring of six, all of which were cast in 1809 by Mears of White chapel using metal from the earlier bells.

The ever popular "Mini-Ring" was in constant use throughout the afternoon with all age groups wanting to have a go.
This year the number of Mini-Bells at the head of the apparatus had increased by two over that of last year, when a similar looking six bell Mini-Ring first put in an appearance at the East Garston hosted summer garden party.

The good old English summer weather being the way it is, we would inevitably see a few rain showers during the afternoon but with gazebos kindly supplied by Speen church, it was still possible to enjoy a few quieter moments out in the open air.

What do bellringers do when they are waiting to ring church bells? ~ They ring hand bells of course. Bill Butler and Rosemary Evans offer   ...................................................instruction and encouragement to those new to this art form.

Concentration focused on the music sheet and baton of conductor, Bill Butler whom I have to say impressed me with his ability to read the music sheet effectively "upside down" with the notes facing away from him as he looked over the top of it. They're a clever lot, these bellringers. The results were really excellent with perfectly recognizable versions of tunes ranging from church based items through to songs originally recorded by 60's pop group ~ The Seekers.

The old English game of Quoits and Kathy displays an accuracy that would put me, and a good few others to shame.
June decided to have a go at producing large bubbles with the very novel Bubble Wand.

Mark pictured above, admirably resisting the natural the urge to "pop" an errant off shoot. It was also good to see the younger ones amongst us joining in as well. Unfortunately the re-emergence of the rain put pay to any further outdoor activities.

A quick game of giant "Noughts & Crosses" and then it was head down, brain into gear and the challenge of ~ "The Quiz"
By this time the serious event of the day was in full swing by that I mean of course, the 2009 Striking contest.

Time for tea and the bellringers usual format of pre-planned donated fayre produced yet another feast fit for royalty. Several sumptuous cakes, strawberries and cream, scones, sausage plait, copious amounts of sandwiches containing a real variety of fillings, including my all time favourite - "egg & mayo".(Thanks Kathy, You're an Angel).

With everyone fed & watered, the striking contest now complete, and the quiz papers all collected.in,
we all waited to hear the results of the striking competition from our two guest judges, Bobbie May and Tim Pett

Maureen checks through the quiz papers as judge Bobbie May pictured with Hungerford TC, Mark Robins, gives an appraisal of each team before announcing Thatcham as the winners for 2009

Lambourn won the Marshall Shield which was received on behalf of the team by Lambourn ringer June Frith

The quiz resulted in five entries all tying for first place so the decision was made to ask the quiz author, Bill Butler to pick out one at random. Hungerford ringer Kathy Bossom's entry was picked where-upon she was presented with her prize by Bill Butler

The afternoon was a veritable success in every way and although I am not a bellringer, and have no aspirations to be one, I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend with this marvelous collection of people. Bellringing has taken me to many places ~ places that I probably would never have seen otherwise. Through it, I have increased my circle of friends quite dramatically and developed a keen interest in both Stained Glass windows and church interiors in general, all without even touching a bell rope. Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome....(KT)