Striking Competition 2025

The 2025 competition was held at 6pm on 3rd May 2025 on the back six bells at Longstanton. Tom and Val Ridgman from the Cambridge District very kindly came and did the judging, sat in their sporty soft top across the road from the church - thankfully the weather was bright and sunny, if a tad chilly.

We had a fantastic entry of 6 bands in each competition, including one scratch band and two Fen Tigers bands (one methods and one call changes).  Thanks to the Fen Tigers' parents, we had a great turnout of kids forming a valuable practice for the RWNYC in July. The parents' competitive spirits surfaced and they formed a scratch band for the methods competition, and saved face by coming half a point ahead of the Fen Tigers band, winning the competition. As a scratch band they couldn't take the trophy, which went to Over band - again! Well done to everyone, especially the many people who were entering a striking competition for the first time ever!

Apart from a sumptuous £5 tea, with bruschetta, sandwiches, quiches, etc and cakes galore, we had the usual raffle plus a very unusual quiz from the inventive mind of Louise Webber, drawing on her vast experience of recent outings (to Loughborough bell foundry amongst other places) and ringing room carpets!

At the end of the evening Tom pronounced on the winners and gave kind words of encouragement.  Special mention goes to the kids bands who provide hope for the future of ringing with their competent ringing in both categories.