Striking Competition 2013

The Stretham ringers continued preparation for the event; Ruth Bramley created a picture quiz, a crossword and baked bell shaped biscuits. Peter Binns organised the tea and coffee and the refurbished handbells were available for use. The Stretham ringers had previously arranged fund raising for the refurbishment costs of these bells.

As there was only one team entered in the call change competition, Phil Bailey organised a scratch band “to give the judges something to do” . The tower captains took part in the respective draws to decide the order of ringing. The Scratch band rang first in the call change competition and managed a respectable test piece. The local band had less need for practice and made a good attempt at the test piece.

When the call change competition was completed the Over band rang Plain Bob doubles and set the standard for the method competition. Swaffham Bulbeck rang second and also rang Plain Bob doubles. Histon rang third with Grandsire doubles. And Fordham rang fourth with Plain Bob doubles.

Whilst the striking competitions were taking place ringers and friends enjoyed Handbell ringing, a “Spot the tower and spot the ropes” competition, a crossword and plenty of tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes.

Once the business meeting was completed, the judges gave their assessment of the competitions saying they were pleased with the quality of both competitions. The scratch team (with 26 faults) scored fewer faults than the Stretham team (with 53 faults) but, because a scratch team can not win the trophy, Peter Binns was awarded the Call Change Tankard.

Phillip George stated that he and Sheila initially placed the method ringing bands in different orders, but had agreed on first and last places and took an average for the other places. After some constructive and helpful comments, they announced the results: Histon first with 11 faults, Swaffham Bulbeck and Fordham joint second with 17 faults and Over were last with 23 faults.