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A record of City Branch outings
by Hugh Deam
| 2007 - 2008 | 2004 - 2006 | 2000 - 2003 | 1986 - 1999 |
1999
The Cotswolds
Saturday 23rd October 1999
1015am Hatherop (6) St Nicholas 7cwt
11.15am Lechlade (6) St Lawrence 13cwt (Gloucs)
12.15pm Alvescot (6) St Peter 9cwt GF
1.00pm Lunch - The Talbot Arms, Bampton
2.30pm Aston (6) St James 12cwt GF
3.30pm Standlake (6) St Giles 11cwt GF
Richard Day, Roy Goodwin, Anthony Hughes, Hugh Deam, Sally Harrison, Roy Jones.
Hatherop See Sat 12th April 1997.
Lechlade St John’s Lock is the first and highest lock on the Thames. A Victorian statue of Old Father Thames is to be found at the side of the lock. Originally carved for the Crystal Palace, the statue was rescued from the ruins and moved to the source of the river, but vandalism prompted a move to Lechlade.
Alvescot The village is thought to take its name from St Allege of Elphege, also known as Elphegus the Bald. The other alternative is that it was in recognition of St Alfege the Martyr, who went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury in 1006. Once a four and a five bell tower, the bells were re-hung in a new frame in 1980, and a sixth bell added in 1985. The easy going bells are rung from the ground floor.
The Talbot Arms, Bampton There is very much a Georgian feel to this country inn that is situated at the heart of the village.
Aston The church of St James was built in 1839 by Thomas Greenshields of Oxford, and underwent a swift succession of restorations in 1862 and 1885 - 1889. The ground floor ring of six bells is challenging.
Standlake The tower is most unusual in its octagonal design. The main body of the church is the result of major alterations mid C13, with the tower dating from a century later. The bells are a ground floor ring of six, with everything to recommend them.
Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire
Saturday 10th July 1999
Loughborough Bell Foundry (10) 6cwt
Woodhouse Eaves (6) St.Paul 10cwt (Leics)
Copt Oak (6) St.Peter 9cwt (Leics)
Misterton (6) St.Leonard 7cwt GF (Leics)
Shawell (6) All Saints 8cwt GF (Leics)
Richard Day, Barry Hall, Susan King, Brian Lowe, Paul Morley, Hugh Deam, Sally Harrison, Peter Lloyd, Carol Lowe, Serge Zvegintzov, Roy Goodwin, Roy Jones, Nesta Long, Paul Lucas.
Loughborough Bell Foundry The foundry has been in the ownership of the Taylor family since 1784, and settled in the town in 1839. The Great St.Paul bell was cast here in 1881. A ring of eight bells was installed in 1899, and augmented to a ten in 1921.
Woodhouse Eaves The village is built on the slopes of Windmill Hill which itself lies in the shadow of 818ft Beacon Hill to the north. Sited just to the east of Charnwood Forest, this was originally an Iron Age settlement. The church is situated at a fork in the road, and the bells are a fine ring of six.
Copt Oak As the name suggests, Copt Oak is very much associated with Charnwood Forest, taking its name from the pollarded oak which survived for 2000 years until 1855 in the corner of the churchyard. Copt Oak was a rallying point during the English Civil War. The present church is as recent as C19.
Misterton with Walcote The church is situated at the heart of the village, but the area directly adjoining the church remains uncluttered by buildings, made up as it is of a small copse.
Shawell The village, with a brook running through its centre, manages to retain something of a quiet dignity despite being bordered by the M1 and M6. It was built just to the east of what was the Roman town of Tripontium – A Place of Three Bridges. The pretty parish church is situated slightly away from the village on a track that leads off from Main Street.
Hertfordshire
Saturday 17th April 1999
10.00am Lemsford (6) St.John the Evangelist 3cwt (Herts)
11.00am Northaw (6) St.Thomas a Becket 12cwt (Herts)
12.05pm South Mymms (6) St.Giles 11cwt (Herts)
1.00pm Lunch - The Old Guinea, Ridge
2.30pm Ridge (6) St.Margaret 11cwt (Herts)
3.30pm Radlett (6) Christ Church 3cwt GF (Herts)
4.30pm Langleybury (6) St.Paul 8cwt (Herts)
Richard Day, Roy Jones, Jim Richardson, David Badger, Hugh Deam, Peter Lloyd, Mary Richardson, Joan Badger, Sally Harrison, Nesta Long, Dinah Wainwright, Kerry Harwood, Anthony Hughes, Brian Lowe, Dot Waring, Tamsin Hughes, Leonora Richardson, Neville Whittell.
Lemsford The village is situated on the River Lea, and the church is located directly across the road from the entrance to Brocket Park Hall. The church was built in 1859 as a memorial to George Augustus, 6th Earl of Cowper. The bells are an extremely light ring of six.
Northaw The village grew around the source of the River Colne. According to local legend, a wise hermit named Sigar lived in the woods here, and is buried near Henry I in St.Albans Abbey. The church dates from 1885 and was for over a century heated by a high pressure hot water heating system that was a masterpiece of Victorian engineering.
South Mymms The village was once in Middlesex, but now comes under the auspices of Hertfordshire. South Mymms is documented as becoming an independent parish in 1136. The church was regularly added to between late C12 and mid C16. The bells and ringing room are quite similar to that of Ridge. South Mymms is probably most known for its Service Station which was the first to be opened on the M25. The original Services were destroyed by fire in 1999, and the new complex won the National Loo of the Year title in 2003.
The Old Guinea, Ridge Situated almost directly across the road from the church, this is an interesting little pub, with some history behind it.
Ridge Long part of the Manor of Tyttenhanger, the village sits at 400ft above sea level and takes its name from Littleridge Wood on its northern edge. There are many timber framed houses in the village. The wayside chapel of C14 formed the chancel of the C15 enlargement with nave and tower added. A bridge over the M25 links the village with South Mymms. The bells are a fine set of six rung from a ringing-room with several unusual facets.
Radlett The town developed very much as a dormitory settlement for London, especially just after World War I, and is located on the course of Watling Street The church is situated on the edge of the town and has a slender and most elegant spire. The churchyard is sited across the road, and offers the best view of the church. The ring of six bells were installed 1964 to mark the centenary of the church. A very light set of bells, they are rung from the ground-floor, and require tight handling on the front two.
Langleybury The village is not marked on many larger scale road maps, and thus is not that easy to find. The church is sited in the triangle created by the M25 and A41. The ring of six bells are very light.
1998
West Oxfordshire
Saturday 17th Ooctober 1998
10.00am Tackley (6) St Nicholas 14cwt
11.00am Wootton (6) St Mary 10cwt
12.05pm Bladon (6) St Martin 6cwt
2.30pm North Leigh (6) St Mary 9cwt
3.30pm Church Hanborough (6) SS Peter & Paul 15cwt
Richard Day, Sally Harrison, Peter Lloyd, Basil Townsend, Hugh Deam, Anthony Hughes, Brian Lowe, Serge Zvegintzov, Roy Goodwin, Roy Jones, Paul Morley, Barry Hall, Susan King, Charles Smith
Tackley An imposing cruciform church set on high ground to the south of the village. Built at the turn of the 11th and 12th century, the church underwent a series of alterations during the C15, with more restoration from 1864. This ring of six bells is one of the most satisfying in the county.
North Leigh Noted widely as being a church of great interest with facets remaining from c.1000 - 1200. The Wilcote Chapel is replete with intricate decoration and fine stained glass. A second aisle was added early C18, with a restoration from 1864.
Church Hanborough The impressive spire of SS Peter & Paul can be seen from many miles away, thus making it easy to find for the first time visitor. The bells ring much more fluently than the weight might suggest.
Wootton An English gothic church with perpendicular tower. Early English nave and aisle, Tudor clerestory and decorated chancel. The ringing room has a pronounced sloping floor.
Bladon Originally the parish church for Woodstock, the medieval church was rebuilt in 1804 with a further restoration from 1891 by Blomfield. After the state funeral at St.Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Winston Churchill was laid to rest here beside his parents Randolph and Jennie.
Aylesbury Vale
Saturday 28th March 1998
9.30am Piddington (5) St Nicholas 8cwt GF
10.30am Ludgershall (5) S.M.V. 9cwt (Bucks)
11.30am Wotton Underwood (6) All Saints 10cwt (Bucks)
12.30pm Brill (6) All Saints 11cwt GF (Bucks)
1.30pm Lunch - The Black Bull, Launton
3.00pm Launton (6) Assumption BVM 6cwt
4.00pm Caversfield (6) St Lawrence 4cwt
5.00pm Islip (8) St Nicholas 8cwt
Richard Day, Roy Goodwin, Brian Lowe, Serge Zvegintzov, Hugh Deam, Sally Harrison, Paul Lucas, David Badger, Jonathan Everett, Alex Holmes, Paul Morley, Joan Badger, Steve Everett, Anthony Hughes, Basil Townsend, Simon Cole, Keith Godfrey, Roy Jones, Mark Walker, Kerry Harwood.
Wotton Underwood Wotton was Anglo Saxon for a farm near a wood, and the settlement here was known as Oltone in its recording within the Domesday Book. It was later renamed Wudotun, and the affix Underwood was added later to differentiate the village from several others of the same name. The manor house almost adjoining the church was remodelled on the design of Buckingham Palace. The church is close to being wholly a C19 rebuild.
Piddington The chancel dates from c.1300, with the low tower being added C16th. A plan of restoration was undertaken from 1898. The bells are a pleasant ground floor ring of five.
Ludgershall The village is situated just to the south of Akeman Street at the western extreme of the county. The five bells are rung from a gallery and thoroughly merit a visit.
Brill The village commands some of the finest panoramic views in the country, with an impressive C17th wooden windmill on the western extremity of the village. The church is a mix of Norman work and Early English. The pleasing ring of six bells are rung from the kitchen on the ground floor.
The Black Bull, Launton A pleasant country pub with dining area enhanced by the warmth emanating from a log fire. Recommended.
Launton Primarily built between C12th and C13th, major alterations were made during the 15th century. The bells are a pleasant ring of six, but the ringing room is extremely small.
Caversfield The base of the church still displays its Saxon origins in parts. The C10th original was rebuilt during the C13th. Major work was carried out during the C18th with the demolition and remodelling of the interior. St.Lawrence has a ground floor ring of five bells that require tight handling.
Islip Here, amidst the surrounding forests, formerly stood a hunting residence of the Saxon kings, in which Edward the Confessor was born in the year 1004. He granted the church to Westminster Abbey c.1200. The river at the southern approach to the village is the Ray. The church has been rebuilt and re-modelled a number of times, with the tower dating from C15th. The ring of eight bells were re-hung to very good effect during the 1990’s.
1997
The Cotswolds
Saturday 12th April 1997
10.00am Coln St.Denys (5) St James the Great 6cwt (Gloucs)
11.00am Barnsley (6) S.M.V. 4cwt GF (Gloucs)
12.05am Hatherop (6) St Nicholas 7cwt (Gloucs)
1.15pm Lunch - The Catherine Wheel, Bibury
3.00pm Bibury (6) St Mary 9cwt GF (Gloucs)
4.00pm Windrush (6) St Peter 7cwt GF A/C (Gloucs)
5.15pm Burford (8) St John 17cwt
Justin Booth, Roy Goodwin, Roy Jones, Carol Lowe, Steve Davies, Sally Harrison, Nesta Long, Eddie Smith, Hugh Deam, Anthony Hughes, Brian Lowe.
Coln St Dennis The Norman church sits on the banks of the River Coln. Dennis is a corruption of St.Dionisius, a large Parisian church granted to the village by King William after the Norman conquest.
Barnsley The village lies on the path of the Welsh Way which was much used by Welsh drovers. The Georgian manor, Barnsley Park sets the tone for the village, noted as it is for its superb gardens and rare shrubs.
Hatherop This model village of the 1850’s is noted for its superabundance of beechwoods, situated as it is on the course of Akeman Street as it crosses the Leach Valley. The very pretty little church is tucked away behind the school. The bells are a pleasant ring of six.
Bibury Bibury nestles in the valley of the River Coln, and is arguably the most idyllic spot in the Cotswolds. It boasts an old stone bridge, a C17th mill, a row of C14th weaver’s cottages, and a world renowned trout farm. The church dates from Saxon times, but much carefully preserved work was removed to the British Museum. Children still dance around a maypole on May 1st in the school adjacent. The hill that rises up behind the beautifully preserved Arlington Row is known as Awkward Hill, with the meadow next to the cottages known as Rock Isle. The popular Swan Hotel sits opposite the trout farm, and has been a focal point of the village since 1700. Several bridges cross the River Windrush along the length of the village.
Windrush The village takes its name from the nearby river. The Norman church is a classic of clean, country simplicity and the ground floor ring of six is anti-clockwise.
Burford This busy market town is often referred to as being "The Gateway to the Cotswolds." A wide main street leads down to the medieval bridge that crosses the River Windrush. There are a goodly range of shops, eateries and hotels to choose from. The town is enhanced by its historic church with a large Norman tower capped by the slender C15th spire that dominates the skyline.
1996
Vale of the White Horse
Saturday 20th April 1996
1.30pm Marcham (6) All Saints 8cwt GF A/C
2.30pm West Hanney (6) St James the Great 18cwt GF
3.30pm Hinton Waldrist (6) St Margaret 6cwt GF
4.30pm Cumnor (8) St Michael 13cwt GF
Hugh Deam, Sally Harrison, Nesta Long, Andrew Rycraft, Janet Farrow, Anthony Hughes, Brian Lowe, Roy Goodwin, Roy Jones, Nigel Pugh.
Marcham An Iron Age villa existed here c.600BC, and a Romano-British religious complex was built over it. The village lies close to the River Ock just to the west of Abingdon. The churchyard is carefully tended so as to encourage some of the rarer native butterflies and a wide mix of birdlife.
West Hanney The village was the original home of the Fettiplace family who at their height owned forty-nine Berkshire manors. Adam Fettiplace became Mayor of Oxford. The village was built around Letcombe brook and there has been evidence of pre-Norman inhabitancy on the gravel bed. Just after the Second World War the tower of the church collapsed and took until 1959 to be replaced. The bells are a heavy ring of six rung from the ground floor.
Hinton Waldrist The late C13th church and tower were built just outside the old moat. The future King Henry V worshipped here with his mother Lady Margaret de Bohun. The bells are a very fluent ground floor ring of six.
Cumnor Cumnor Wood formed part of the King’s gift to Abingdon Abbey at its foundation in 685, and from that date to the dissolution in 1539 the parish was in the hands of the monastery. The earliest part of St.Michael’s church dates from the early C13th, with a host of additions being made during the following century.
1994
Essex Rodings
Saturday 17th July 1994
Pleshey (5) Holy Trinity 11cwt A/C (Essex)
Moreton (6) S.M.V. 9cwt GF (Essex)
Fyfield (6) St.Nicholas 6cwt (Essex)
Ben Abbott, Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Tim Abbott, Roy Goodwin, Neville Whittell.
Pleshey The village was previously known as Tumblestown during Saxon times, but the Normans renamed the village Plessels, meaning an enclosed space. Around this time a wooden castle was built here. The bells are a tricky anti-clockwise ring of five.
The White Horse, Pleshey A C15th pub with much original timbering still in place, well known for its culinary side. If you like your curry hot, they know how to do it the way you like it.
Moreton In the Diocese of Chelmsford, Moreton is known for its folk music festivals and Mummers’ plays. The topography of the area has meant that there has been much sand and gravel working over the years hereabouts. The present church was built between 1510 – 1540. The bells are a pleasant ground-floor ring of six.
Fyfield The village briefly hit the headlines in 2001 when an unwelcome invasion of
marauding mink threatened to not only decimate the existing wildlife along the River Roding, but were proving a danger to anyone foolhardy enough to approach them as they moved into back gardens. The church was first built in 1120 using pebble rubble from the river bed. Some years after the village was ravaged by the Black Death during C14th the church was enlarged to the size now seen today. The bells are a reassuringly easy to handle ring of six.
1992
Shakespeare Country
Saturday 17th Ooctober 1992
Stratford upon Avon (10) Holy Trinity 19cwt (Warks)
Alderminster (6) St Mary & Holy Cross 12cwt (Warks)
Shipston on Stour (6) St Edmund 9cwt (Warks)
Todenham (6) St Thomas of Canterbury 12cwt gf (Gloucs)
Stratford upon Avon To launch into a preamble about this town would probably be superfluous given its fame and the millions of words already written about it, safe to say that the church on the banks of the Avon with an avenue of lime trees leading to it enhances the town. William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway are buried here. A monument to him is to be found inside the church. There was a wooden church documented as being here as far back as 845AD. The present limestone church dates from 1210, and houses a lovely peal of ten bells.
Alderminster This ancient village was for many centuries a part of Worcestershire, but transferred to Warwickshire in 1931. The church with its tower of unusual girth dates from c.1200, replacing the C6 original that stood on the other side of the village. The entire population of the village was wiped out by the Plague of 1349. The churchyard is purposely kept in such a way as to encourage wildlife. The bells are a fine ring of six, but with a low that makes the bells sound quite loud whilst ringing.
Shipston on Stour A town that was also transferred from Worcestershire to Warwickshire in 1931, there are plenty of examples of Georgian expansion amidst the centre of town. The town was given as a gift to the Bishop of Worcester by Saxon under-king Uhtred during the 8th century.
Long a sheep market, the town took its name from Scepwaeisctune, meaning Sheep Wash Town, and much employment came through spinning and weaving. The church was almost completely rebuilt in 1855 with the tower surviving from C15th. The bells are an easy-going ring of six.
Todenham The impressive spire of the church is a boon to the many walkers who explore the lovely countryside around here, acting as a fine focal point. The original C14th spire had to be rebuilt in 1772 after irreparable storm damage. The bells are rung from the ground floor, but ring much more easily than might be imagined.
1991
City of Cambridge
Saturday 27th April 1991
Cambridge, Great St Mary (12) 27cwt
Cambridge, St Andrew the Great (8) 10cwt
Cambridge, St Benet (6) 13cwt GF
Chesterton, St Andrew (6) 16cwt GF
Cherry Hinton, St Andrew (6) 10cwt GF
Cambridge The city is world famous for its academic status, and the area is known to many these days as Silicon Fen. Cambridge was built around what is now called Castle Hill, a strategic area where the Normans built a castle.
Great St Mary A church is recorded as having been on this site from 1205, but a major fire in 1290 led to a rebuild that proceeded over many decades. The tower was restored in 1892, and the ring of twelve bells are maintained by the Society of College Youths.
St Andrew the Great The church is situated opposite Christ’s College, and is built in the Early English style.
St Benet Possibly the oldest church in the area, St.Benet’s is situated at the very heart of the city, amidst the shopping centre. The tower is C11th, but much of the rest of the church is of Saxon origin.
Chesterton During the time of this being a Roman settlement it was known as Cestretone. The church was built in 1250 of cruciform design, and rebuilt less than a century later. The present chancel is C15th.
Cherry Hinton Recorded as being the manor of Up Hall in 1201, and the property of the de Hinton family, the land and church were all sold to the Bishop of Ely some years later. This immensely photogenic church houses a ground floor ring of six bells. Fund-raising is currently underway in order to raise funds for major repair work that is required on the tower.
1990
Constable Country
Saturday 21st April 1990
11.30am Colchester (8) (Essex) St Peter 21cwt
1.30pm Kersey (8) (Suffolk) St Mary 14cwt
2.45pm Lavenham (8) (Suffolk) Sts Peter & Paul 21cwt
4.00pm Long Melford (8) (Suffolk) Holy Trinity 15cwt
John Beale, Roy Goodwin, Marion Powell, Neville Whittell, Justin Booth, Nesta Long, Eddie Smith, Serge Zvegintzov, Steve Davies, Brian Lowe, Basil Townsend, Andrew Wyatt, Hugh Deam, Carol Lowe, Helen Wharton.
Colchester Britain’s oldest recorded town, Camulodunum, was referred to by Pliny the Elder in AD77. The well preserved castle is a result of the Norman occupation of the town. Noted as having a church in the Domesday Book, the church of St.Peter was enlarged and enhanced during C15th, which possibly helped it survive the effects of an earthquake that shook Colchester in 1692. The red brick tower dates from 1758.
Kersey The village is one long street that runs from the church to the ruins of a priory that is bisected by a water-splash through a small river. Kersey is one of the most photographed villages in England, the water-splash with its attendant birdlife being something of a centre of attention. A great many of the houses are pastel colour-washed. The church is C14th, and is not only large in scale, but is beautifully decorated inside and out. This very pleasing set of eight bells are rung from the ground floor.
Lavenham A medieval settlement that grew rich as a result of the woollen cloth trade between C12th and C16th, the village is awash with half-timbered cottages. The church on the edge of the Lavenham has the highest village-church tower in Britain at 141ft. The ring of eight bells is superb.
Long Melford Rather like Lavenham, Long Melford came to importance as a direct result of cloth merchants. There is an enviable collection of C15th buildings the length and breadth of the town. This is something of a centre for antiques, so much so that the television series Lovejoy was primarily filmed here.
The town comes under the Chadbrook Benefice, which takes its name from the Chad brook which runs through the town. The enormous wool church is situated on high ground and dates from late C15th. The original tower was irreparably damaged by lightning in 1710 and the 1772 replacement was not considered to be in keeping with the rest of the church, so between 1899 – 1903 the present tower was constructed. The bells are a memorable ring of eight.
1989
City of London
Saturday 28th October 1989
10.15am Whitechapel Bell Foundry
12.30pm Bow in the Road (8) St Mary 13cwt
1.30pm Spitalfields (8) Christ Church 17cwt
3.00pm Aldgate (8) St Botolph Without 25cwt
5.45pm Lane End (6) Holy Trinity 5cwt
John Beale, Barry Greenway, Carol Lowe, Sonia Tucker, Justin Booth, Mike Hensher, Len Porter, Helen Wharton, Ralph Bullock, David Lane, Marion Powell, Serge Zvegintzov, Steve Davies, Katie Lane, John Pusey, Hugh Deam, Nesta Long, Eddie Smith, Roy Goodwin, Brian Lowe, Basil Townsend.
Whitechapel Bell Foundry is Britain’s oldest manufacturing company, and was established in 1570 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The original Liberty Bell was cast here in 1752, and Big Ben in 1858.
Bow in the Road Formally known as Bromley by Bow, Stratford le Bow, and Stratford atte Bow, the church is C14th and is situated in the very centre of the main road. The bells are a pleasing ring of eight.
Spitalfields An Act of Parliament in 1711 decreed that fifty new churches were needed to cater for the rapidly rising population on the fringes of the city, so Nicholas Hawksmoor was commissioned to design and built the church we see today. The church has had a peal of bells since 1730, first a ten, then a twelve. The bells fell into disuse between WW1 and WW2, so in 1971 the ring of eight from Clapham Park were transferred to Christ Church.
Aldgate Aldgate is documented as having its own bell foundry c.1420 and a church as far back as 1125. The current church was built between 1725 – 1740, and is named after St Botolph the patron saint of travellers and itinerants. During Victorian times it was nicknamed the Prostitutes Church, sitting as it did in Jack the Ripper territory.
Lane End A relatively new town set amidst the southern slopes of the Chilterns. It is a popular spot for beginning or ending hill walks due to its location and profusion of pubs. The red kite was re-introduced in recent years in this area. The church is C19th, and houses a fluent ground floor ring of six bells.
St Albans
Saturday 8th April 1989
11.00am St Albans Cathedral (12) (Herts) St Alban 23cwt
2.00pm St Albans (10) (Herts) St Peter 24cwt
3.45pm St Albans (8) (Herts) St Michael 12cwt
5.30pm Kings Langley (8) (Herts) All Saints 11cwt
St Albans Pope Adrian IV (Nicholas Brakespear) decreed that the Abbot of St Albans held precedence over all other English abbots. The city is sited on the banks of the River Ver.
St Albans Cathedral Imposing Abbey church of a Benedictine monastery that was founded on the site of the martyrdom of St Alban. The present church was built c.1077 close to the buried remains of Verulamium. The building was commissioned by Abbot Paul de Caen, and the work was undertaken by Robert the Mason. There was a major restoration by Sir George Gilbert Scott between 1856 – 1877. The bells are a relatively light ring of twelve.
St Albans, St Peter The C13th chronicler Matthew Paris was the source for information concerning the founding of the three churches in the town by Abbot Ulsinas in 948AD. St Peter’s is situated on the north side of the city, and is a C13th replacement that was heavily rebuilt in C15th with a rather incongruous brick tower added c.1800. Lord Grimthorpe had the church restored at his own expense in 1893.
St Albans, St Michael The church is situated on the south western part of the city and predates the Norman period in parts, with constant additions from C11th – C15th. The church served Gorhambury, Childwickbury and Potters Crouch.
Kings Langley A settlement has existed on this site since Roman times, but the building of a Royal palace here during C14th helped establish a larger populace. Queen Victoria provided the funds for the stained glass heraldic window that was added in 1878.
1988
Birmingham
Saturday 9th April 1988
11.00am Shirley (8) (W.Mids) St James 6cwt
2.00pm Solihull (12) (W.Mids) St Alphege 21cwt
3.45pm Kings Norton (10) (W.Mids) St John the Baptist 18cwt
5.00pm Harborne (8) (W.Mids) St Peter 12cwt
6.30pm Selly Oak (8) (W.Mids) St Mary 12cwt
Shirley The town is the largest parish within the Birmingham Diocese, the town centre is currently undergoing a massive redevelopment programme.
Solihull Starting out over a thousand years ago as a clearing in a forest, Solihull became known as a trading centre as it grew around the junction of Roman roads. In 1417 King Henry V claimed ownership of the town. The biggest expansion though came during the 1920’s as car manufacture became big business. The population is now well in excess of 200,000.
King’s Norton The Manor of Kings Norton was the property of the monarch until C16th. A mop fair has long been held here. The church nestles behind the Saracens Head, once a medieval Inn, now used as the Parish Offices. The beautifully maintained green fronts both these important buildings.
Harborne The town occupies the southern tongue of Offlow Hundred and became known for iron and glass manufacture, but has managed to retain some rural aspects, especially on its southern half. The northern half incorporates Smethwick. The church of St Peter was renovated and enlarged in 1827.
Selly Oak Inhabited since Roman times, Selly Oak grew around Ryknild Street, later renamed Icknield Street, which linked Fosse Way and Watling Street. The parish boundaries were marked by Merritt’s Brook and the River Bruern. Selly Oak took its name from a combination of the Salt Way which ran from Droitwich and the North Sea. Sele Leah, which meant a clearing in the shelf-land, and the mighty oak tree which stood in the grounds of the manor house.
1987
Aylesbury Vale
Saturday 28th November 1987
3.30pm Cuddington (8) (Bucks) St Nicholas 7cwt GF
4.30pm Dinton (6) (Bucks) SS Peter & Paul 16cwt A/C
5.30pm Haddenham/8 (Bucks) St Mary 17cwt
Cuddington Only the font remains from C12th, with the majority of the building being C13th. The Perpendicular west tower dates from 1350. The bells are a light and friendly ground- floor ring of eight.
Dinton The church has much of interest from various periods. It retains its elaborate Norman south doorway, the chancel in C13th, the pulpit is Jacobean and there are brasses from C15th set into the chancel floor. The bells are a heavy anti-clockwise ring of six that thoroughly reward the effort.
Haddenham The village is possibly best known of late as being the home of St Tiggywinkles, which rehabilitates injured wildlife. The C13th church is wonderfully appointed, situated as it is adjacent to the large village pond where ducks and geese regularly gather in abundance. The church still retains most of its original stained glass. The tower clock has a wooden dial. The bells are a very pleasing ring of eight.
The Cotswolds
Saturday 2nd May 1987
4.30pm Bourton on the Water (8) (Gloucs) St Lawrence 12cwt
6.30pm Stow on the Wold (8) (Gloucs) St Edward 27cwt
7.45pm Shipton under Wychwood (8) S.M.V. 15cwt
Bourton on the Water The River Windrush winds its way through the delightful village that lives up to its reputation as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”. The river flows down the main street under low footbridges beside various trees and lawns.
There is a model village built of Cotswold stone that is one-tenth scale that took six men four years to construct. On the southern edge of Bourton is the world-renowned zoological park, Birdland, probably most famous for its penguins and macaws. There is a wealth of tea-rooms, jewellers, gift shops, hotels, and hostelries to choose from. The popular television series Brum about a plucky little car that always comes to the rescue was partly filmed here, the Old Mill Motor Museum in the village serving as Brum’s home. The parish church of St Lawrence has a distinctive Georgian tower and a C14th chancel.
The bells are a challenging ring of eight.
Stow on the Wold The busy market town is situated more than 700 feet above sea level. The large Market Place is lined with pleasant old houses, inns and shops in a variety of styles, plus there is an old Market Cross. The town, like so many others in the Cotswolds, owes much of its prosperity to the woollen trade. Stow Fair remains a huge draw every year. The church contains a huge painting of the Crucifixion by de Craeyer, and boasts a wealth of interesting details around its capacious interior. The bells are a superb ring of eight that sound as good as they ring.
Shipton under Wychwood An obelisk in the village commemorates four families from Shipton who all emigrated to New Zealand in 1874, only for the ship to catch fire off Tristan da Cunah with the result of them all perishing. The ring of eight bells trip round nicely.
Sussex by the Sea
Saturday 11th April 1987
11.45am Barcombe (6) (Sussex) S.M.V. 9cwt
1.15pm Brighton (10) (Sussex) St Nicholas of Myra 18cwt
4.45pm Lewes (10) (Sussex) St John the Baptist 17cwt
Suzanne Agerbak, Ruth Godden, Carol Lowe, Daniel Rule, Emilie Amt, Mary Godwin, David Marples, Eddie Smith, James Argyle, Wilf Godwin, Julia Phipps, Christine Taylor, Hugh Deam, Roy Goodwin, Lindsay Poole, Melanie Tribble, Charlotte Everett, Carol Green, Garth Porter, Peter Tribble, Kate Everett, Barry Greenway, Len Porter, Andrew Ward, Steve Everett, Trevor Greenway, John Pusey, Kathleen Smith, Alec Gammon, Susan Hughes, Barbra Redshaw, Kevin Taylor, Reg Gander, Nicola Redshaw, Andrew Wyatt, Nesta Long, Brian Lowe, Aaron Richardson.
Barcombe The village is split into three, stemming from the abandoning of the houses that used to exist around about the church during the years of the Black Death. Originally the village was named Bercham, and sits on the Roman road between Newhaven and London, otherwise known as Ermine Street. Much restoration took place in 1879/80, but the C14th font and doorways were retained. The stained glass is all Victorian, bar one that is c.1657. The bells are a sweet ring of six.
Brighton The Royal Pavilion is almost certainly the most famous landmark of the city. It was designed as the marine palace of the Prince Regent, later George IV. In later years he became enamoured with Indian and oriental designs and so appointed John Nash to redesign the Pavilion to what still exists today. The C14th flint church of St Nicholas of Myra was restored by Carpenter in 1853. The font dates from c.1160. In the churchyard stands a monument to Pheobe Hessel who died in 1821, having served for many years as a private soldier in the 5th Regiment of Foot. The bells are a very fine peal of ten.
Lewes The county town is situated in a gap of the South Downs, through which the River Ouse runs out to meet the coast at Newhaven. On the 12th of May, 1264, The Battle of Lewes was fought between the armies of Henry III and Simon de Montfort. The treaty signed by the defeated king led to the calling of the first English Parliament. The famous bonfire parade and fireworks display is always held on November 5th to commemorate the seventeen Protestant martyrs who were burnt in Lewes during the Marian persecutions of 1555 – 1557. Built on the line of the Greenwich Meridian, St John’s church is situated opposite Anne of Cleves house which was given to her by Henry VIII on their divorce. The tower was rebuilt of brick 1714 – 1738. Chancel -1885. A C13th effigy of a knight is to be found in the church.
1986
Vale of the White Horse
Saturday 6th December 1986
4.30pm Faringdon (8) All Saints 17cwt
5.45pm Buckland (8) S.M.V. 17cwt
7.00pm Shrivenham (8) St Andrew 14cwt
Faringdon This pretty market town is situated on a golden limestone ridge between the Ock and Thames rivers, on what was once a junction of ancient roads. The name of the town derives from a Fern-Covered Hill. The C17th Town-Hall is surrounded by Georgian-fronted inns and hotels. King John granted the town a Royal Charter in 1216. A more recent addition to Faringdon’s roster is the 1935 Folly Tower commissioned by Lord Bernes, which has featured in many film and television productions. The C12th/13th church oversees the western side of the Market Place and provides a handy reference for those seeking the time with its impressive clock.
The low central tower only rises slightly above the roof of the nave and chancel. The bells are a fine ring of eight, although a couple of the ropes are in need of tidy handling to avoid clashing with the clock wires.
Buckland The village is one of seven in this Benefice just north of Faringdon. The nave of the church is C12th, whereas the transepts are C13th, with Victorian vestry. There is a fine C19th organ that has recently been restored. The ring of eight is in the key of E major, some of the bells date from 1636. The impressive church clock was made by the firm of E.J.Dent, who were the makers of Big Ben. The peal of eight bells is ideal for major methods.
Shrivenham The tower of St Andrew’s church is C15th, whereas the body of the church was subject to a massive rebuild in 1638 at the instigation of the Earl of Craven. The bells have since been augmented to a 10.
Augmentation Tour
Saturday 20th September 1986
10.15am Steeple Barton (5) St Mary 10cwt GF
11.15am North Aston (6) St Mary 6cwt
12.15pm Bodicote (8) St John the Baptist 8cwt
2.30pm Mollington (6) All Saints 4cwt
4.00pm Quainton (8)(Bucks) St Mary & Holy Cross 17cwt
5.15pm Aylesbury (8) (Bucks) St Mary 21cwt
7.15pm Aston Rowant (6) Sts Peter & Paul 12cwt
Steeple Barton The Norman church in Steeple Barton was enlarged during the 14th century, and restored in 1850 with the chancel being completely rebuilt. This ground floor ring of five bells definitely require competent handling.
North Aston The C15th church closely adjoins the C17th Jacobean manor house. The main body of the church is early Decorated period. The bells are rung from a gallery, with the 4th and 5th ropes being set quite close together.
Bodicote The village finds itself getting ever closer to Banbury to the north as new housing springs up rapidly around this area. The village was originally a settlement known as Boda, which was sited on The Salt Way, a road that pre-dated Roman times. The crumbling C13th church was totally rebuilt and significantly enlarged in 1843.
Mollington This quiet village comes under the Benefice of Claydon with Mollington and is located just off the Banbury to Southam road. All Saints church is situated on very high ground on the north east side of the village. The bells are a very light ring of six.
Quainton A large village with all the classic elements still in place at present. A shop, a pub, a windmill and a church set on high ground. Quainton is an ancient village with a Roman road serving as the parish boundary, and it takes its name from Cwen, a queen, and Tun, a farm. In 613AD it was in the gift of Edith, consort of King Edward the Confessor. The C14th church was restored in its original pattern around 1877, although the rectory is Georgian. The bells are a fine sounding ring of eight. Just outside the village is the renowned Bucks Railway Centre. The village is evident from some miles away thanks to its 65ft mill which is the tallest in the county. Built in 1830, it was in general use up until 1890. After some twenty years hard work it was finally restored to working order in 1997. Now owned by a descendant of the original owner, it is open on Sundays 10.00am - 12.45pm. £1 adults, 50p children.
Aylesbury The county town of Buckinghamshire lies in the heart of the Vale and is known for its Anglo- Saxon origins, though recent excavations have revealed that an Iron Age hill fort existed here c.650BC. Long a market-town, Aylesbury was very much a Parliamentarian stronghold during the English Civil War. County town status had been conferred upon the town in 1529 by King Henry VIII. This is the burial place of St Osyth. The church is Early English, built on the site of the remains of original Saxon crypt. The eight bells here are a must for a visit, although parking is a problem.
Aston Rowant The village extends into the plain from Aston Wood and Beacon Hill. Much of the area hereabouts is owned by The National Trust and Nature Conservancy. The church is noted for its medieval stained glass. The bells are a testing ground floor ring of six.
River Thames
Saturday 12th April 1986
10.30am Hambleden (6) (Bucks) S.M.V. 11cwt
11.30am Henley on Thames (8) St Mary 21cwt
2.00pm Wallingford (8) St Mary le More 18cwt
3.00pm Brightwell cum Sotwell (8) St Agatha 10cwt GF
4.00pm Nettlebed (6) St Bartholomew 6cwt
Hambleden This highly eclectic village is, like its near neighbour Turville, now a magnet for film and television productions. Built around the Hamble, a stream that often runs dry, it is probably most recognised by its church. An attractive village shop, traditional country pub and church with beautifully manicured churchyard are all to be found within a few hundred yards of each other. The bells are a very fine ring of six well worth revisiting.
Henley on Thames The riverside town is known the world over
for the Regatta that attracts top class rowers from many countries for one week every summer. The primarily C15th church of St Mary dominates the southern end of the High Street, situated as it is near the bridge that crosses the Thames and acts as the boundary between counties. There is now a River & Rowing Museum adjacent to the river on the western side of the town. This excellent ring of eight bells is undoubtedly worth visiting.
Wallingford The town has long held an important place in history, due
largely to its situation at a convenient ford, where the shallow Thames flows over a hard bed. Converging upon this ford were several important roads, and British, Roman, Saxon and Norman fortresses have defended the crossing. In later centuries the town played significant roles in matters concerning nobility, especially through its Governors. The church of St Mary le More retained its tower amidst the wholesale reconstruction of the church during the 19th century. Church and town hall sit together at the heart of
the market place. The bells have since been augmented to a ten.
Brightwell cum Sotwell The village, inhabited since Saxon times, is noted for its black and white cottages. The various flowers to be found in the gardens of Mount Vernon were developed by Dr Edward Bach as a tincture for homeopathic remedies. Until as recently as 1948 the two parishes were separate. The bells are a pleasant eight rung from the ground-floor.
Nettlebed The present church in Nettlebed dates from 1846 and is set amidst Georgian houses. The village was a brick-making centre and expanded rapidly during the 18th century. The name derives from the propensity of nettles that grew in the area. An excellent ring of six bells, with no foibles.
