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A record of City Branch outings
by Hugh Deam
| 2007 - 2008 | 2004 - 2006 | 2000 - 2003 | 1986 - 1999 |
2003
South Oxfordshire
Saturday 29th November 2003
9.25am Sunningwell (6) St Leonard 8cwt
10.20am Marcham (6) All Saints 8cwt GF A/C
11.20am Milton (8) St Blaise 9cwt GF
12.25pm Chilton (6) All Saints 8cwt
1.15pm Lunch - The Rose & Crown, Chilton
Heather Banyard, Andrew Dunn, Roy Jones, Sue Reynolds, Jonathan Beale, Simon Edwards, Susan King, Charles Smith, Jane Burgess, Keith Godfrey, Janice Knowles, Leon Thompson, Ron Burgess, Adrian Gray, Peter Lloyd, Serge Zvegintzov, Jonathan Cresshull, Anthony Hughes, Susan Morrison, Hugh Deam, Steve Jeffery, Roy Peach.
Sunningwell The church originally belonged to Abingdon Abbey. During the 13th century Roger Bacon used the tower of the church for some of his astronomical observations. The church is a mixture of Decorated and Perpendicular periods.
Marcham See Sat 20th April 1996.
Milton The village is now somewhat boxed in by the major roads in and around Didcot, but retains a rural idyll at its core. The church is located at the entrance to Milton Manor. St.Blaise was a noted physician and Bishop of Sivas in Armenia. The superb bells had
recently been augmented from a six to an eight
Chilton The village sits just off the busy A34, but remains relatively unspoilt within its confines. This pretty church retains a C12 nave, and C14 chancel. The stone tower is Victorian, with bells that date from 1633 – 1892. They were silent for some time due to structural problems, but have recently been restored, along with the clock. The ringing room is cleverly designed to maximise the use of the space available, the bells are as flawless as they come, and the welcome is exceptionally warm.
The Rose & Crown, Chilton. There were a few staffing problems on the day we were there, but the rural ambience and snug dining area managed to overcome any little hiccups.
South Warwickshire
Saturday 11th October 2003
10.30am Church Lawford (6) St Peter 7cwt GF
11.30am Ryton on Dunsmore (8) St Leonard 9cwt
12.30pm Stoneleigh (6) St Mary 10cwt
1.30pm Lunch - The Malt Shovel, Bubbenhall
3.00pm Bubbenhall (6) St Giles 5cwt GF
4.00pm Radford Semele (6) St Nicholas 9cwt
Jonathan Beale, Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, John Lonsborough, Bob Benstead, Andrew Dunn, Susan King, Bernard Masterman, Jane Burgess, Simon Edwards, Janice Knowles, John Pusey, Ron Burgess, Nick Hartley, David Lane, Leon Thompson, Jonathan Cresshull, Steve Jeffery, Peter Lloyd, Richard Verrall.
Church Lawford The church was rebuilt in 1872, and the tower was topped by a turret. Remains of the C13 church are still to be found in the fields surrounding the present church. We were given the warmest of welcomes here with tea and biscuits laid on, a nice start to the day. The bells are rung from the ground floor and require decent handling.
Ryton on Dunsmore An early Norman church with C14 tower, Jacobean pulpit and C18 lunette windows. The bells are a fine ring of eight that make for fluent ringing.
Stoneleigh The first sighting of the village on crossing the bridge over the River Sowe has long been regarded as having no peer in the county, with riverside meadows surrounding the village. The almshouses date from 1594. The church is constructed of distinctive red sandstone and dates from the Norman to Perpendicular period. The bells are a sublime ring of six that make you want to visit again.
The Malt Shovel, Bubbenhall. Everything had been made ready for us dining-wise on our arrival, with the food ready and piping hot. Recommended.
The pub has since been converted into a fifty-fifty split between traditional country pub and more modern wine-bar.
Bubbenhall Originally called Bubbas Hill due to its positioning on high ground above the River Avon, the C13 parish church lies at the end of chestnut-tree lined Church Road. St.Giles church has a triple chancel and 1901 stained glass by Kempe. The recently re-hung six bells are rung from the ground floor, and are ideal for fluent ringing.
Radford Semele The village comes under the Coventry Diocese and is now very close to the ever expanding Leamington Spa. The village takes its name from the Semilly family who were Lords of the Manor until the reign of King Henry I saw them fall out of favour. The C14 church was extensively rebuilt in 1889. The bells are an eclectic ring of six.
Pang Valley, Berkshire
Saturday 31st August 2003
10.15am Stanford Dingley (4) St Denys 6cwt GF
11.30am Hampstead Norreys (6) St Mary 10cwt GF
12.30pm Yattendon (6) SS Peter & Paul 6cwt GF
1.10pm Lunch – The Pot Kiln, Frilsham
2.10pm Aldworth (3) St Mary 10cwt GF
Jonathan Beale, Steve Jeffery, Peter Lloyd, Leon Thompson, Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Adrian Gray, Andrew Dunn, Janice Knowles, Ailsa Reid.
Stanford Dingley There has been a church here for over 1000 years, the present C12 church is built on the site of a Saxon original, and retains its Norman font. There are some superb C15 painted frescoes inside the church. The white wooden bell tower is very distinctive, and houses a ground floor ring of four bells
Hampstead Norreys, Yattendon and Aldworth See Sun 29th September 2002.
The Pot Kiln, Frilsham A classic country pub sited away from the village, offering a fine variety of filings for rolls and sandwiches as well as larger meals. Recommended.
Southampton
Saturday 14th June 2003
10.00am Portswood (6) St Barnabas 3cwt GF
10.45am South Stoneham (3) St Mary 8cwt GF
11.30am Bitterne Park (8) Ascension 8cwt GF
12.45pm Botley (6) All Saints 5cwt
1.30pm Lunch – The Brewery Bar, Botley
Jonathan Beale, Steve Jeffery, Peter Lloyd, Sonia Tucker, Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Bernard Masterman, Andrew Dunn, Janice Knowles, Leon Thompson.
Portswood This late C19 church is built on the site of an original place of worship that was constructed of corrugated iron by all accounts. The relatively recently installed very light ring of six bells are rung from the ground floor just inside the main door.
South Stoneham Situated some 3miles north-east of Southampton, South Stoneham is situated on the western flank of the River Itchen, and is part of the Winchester Diocese. The C12 chancel of this exquisite little church remains, and the tower is C15. There is a sundial on the south wall dating
from 1738. Although the church now lies in a rather built up area, it retains a large enough churchyard to give it the air of a rural setting.
Bitterne Park Something of a new addition sited close to the River Itchen. The church, designed by Sir Charles Nicholson, was consecrated as recently as 1926 and boasts some superb stained glass. The bells have recently been augmented again, this time to a peal of ten.
Botley A parish within the Portsmouth Diocese, there was a St.Bartholew’s church here some 900 years ago when the village was known
as Botleigh. The present church dates from 1835/6 and is currently fund-raising to accommodate an extension due to the central role that it plays in local life. A large choral society is based here. Up until 2001 there were only three bells, but after some tower strengthening work there is now a very pleasing ring of six.
The Brewery Bar, Botley. Slightly rough and ready pub at the time we were there.
The Cotswolds
Saturday 10th May 2003
9.45am Colesborne (5) St James 6cwt GF
10.45am Withington (6) St.Michael 11cwt
11.45am Chedworth (6) St Andrew 10cwt GF
12.30pm Lunch - The Seven Tuns, Chedworth
Robert Chadburn, Nick Hartley, Bernard Masterman, Hillary Stevens, Hugh Deam, Steve Jeffery, Susan Morrison, Leon Thompson, Andrew Dunn, Roy Jones, Hilary Nex, Richard Verrall, Simon Edwards, Susan King, Roy Peach, Serge Zvegintzov, Keith Godfrey, Peter Lloyd, June Steele.
Colesborne The village is situated on the Cheltenham to Cirencester road, with its church tucked away in woodland to the south of the village. The church of St James enjoys one of the most verdant settings of any church in the country, nestling as it does within the western edge of Chedworth Wood, and looking out upon the gently flowing River Churn as it meanders through the woodland. The bells were originally hung anti-clockwise, and after a spell of being classified as unringable, they were re-hung in a clockwise configuration around the millennium.
Withington A host of pretty limestone cottages flank the parish church, which was described by William Cobbett in 1826 as being like a small cathedral, and it dates mainly from C13. The bells are a sublime ring of six that make for a pleasing extended ring.
Chedworth The Rivers Churn and Coln meet here at Chedworth, situated as it is on the lower slopes of a steep sided valley, overlooked by Pancake Hill. The village possesses much to see with a wealth of photo opportunities. The beautifully appointed church is set on high ground and is immensely photogenic.
Between the church and the pub is a classic waterwheel. A little way outside the village amidst the woods is the Chedworth Roman Villa.
The Seven Tuns, Chedworth. A very popular Cotswolds hostelry, with a function room newly added upstairs. The pub oozes the classic Cotswolds ambience with a good choice of meals ranging from the simple to the indulgent. Recommended.
Kennet and Avon
Saturday 22nd March 2003
10.00am Hungerford (8) St Lawrence 12cwt (Berks)
11.00am Ramsbury (6) Holy Cross 16cwt (Wilts)
12.15pm Savernake Forest (5) St Katharine 11cwt (Wilts)
1.00pm Mildenhall (6) St John the Baptist 7cwt (Wilts)
1.50pm Lunch - Horseshoe Inn, Mildenhall
3.30pm Chilton Foliat (5) St Mary 9cwt A/C (Wilts)
Heather Banyard, Simon Edwards, Susan King, Lisa Ryan, Jonathan Beale, Jeanne Fahy, Janice Knowles, Charles Smith, Bob Benstead, Keith Godfrey, Paul Lucas, June Steele, Jonathan Cresshull, Sally Harrison, Bernard Masterman, Hillary Stevens, Steve Davies, Nicholas Hartley, Paul Morley, Leon Thompson, Hugh Deam, Anthony Hughes, Hilary Nex, Richard Verrall, Andrew Dunn, Roy Jones, Marika Pascovitch.
Hungerford The town sits on the banks of the Kennet and Avon, on the very fringe of Berkshire. This is a busy market town, with an open-air market every Wednesday, and an array of antique shops. The town really began to thrive during the Georgian era, but actually first came to some prominence in 1108 when it was assigned to the Abbey of Bec-Hellouinin in Normandy, although a Roman Road to the north of the town attests that there must have been some activity here many centuries before. The beautiful church of 1816 sits on the foundations of its Early English predecessor.
It was here in Hungerford that William of Orange, who had only just recently landed in Brixham, met with representatives of King James II, on his way to claiming the throne of England. A big day of the year in the town is the second Tuesday after Easter, which is known as Tutti-day, when the Bellman (town-crier) summons commoners to the court, whilst the tutti-men visit every house with common rights. The church is situated to the west of the town and enjoys a relatively unspoilt view across the Kennet and Avon.
Ramsbury During the 1891 restoration several Saxon stones were found in the south wall which dated the original church as being somewhat earlier than previously thought.
At one time, the importance of Ramsbury was such that it had its own Bishop, three of whom went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury. Ramsbury went into something of a decline when the London to Bath road (Now the A4) was turnpiked in 1774, and the Kennet & Avon canal was re-routed away from the village. The 20th century saw considerable re-growth and new housing. The large churchyard serves as the village green for fetes and social events.
Savernake Forest Some of the oaks that surround this church are believed to be over a thousand years old. The church is not that easy to find as there is very little by way of housing nearby. The bells are a fairly heavy ring of five that, but are not as tricky as one might expect on first sight.
Mildenhall This pretty village runs parallel to the River Kennet just to the north of Marlborough. Water-meadows are still profuse around this valley area. There are many red and blue brick cottages with a mix of thatched and slate roofs, especially close to the parish church. The village is probably unique in the astonishing number of changes of name it has undergone since 806. Mildanhald, Mildenhalle, Mildhale, Myldenhale, Mildenhale, Myldenhalle, Midnall, Mildenghall, Mildenhale (for the second time), Mildinghall, Minhale, Middenhall, Mildenall, Middonhole, Mindinhole, Minal, Middenhal, up to the choice of names that exist today, Mildenhall and Minal.
The Horseshoe Inn, Mildenhall. On booking the bells in the village, the local pub
was recommended as being a ringer-friendly pub, and this was no idle boast. The capacious new function room, friendly service, extensive menu and value for money all added up to an unreserved recommendation from all those there.
Chilton Foliat A Saxon settlement is known to have existed here. The village sits close to the chalk-land river that is the Kennet. In 1974 this was designated a conservation area. The elegant church dates from C12, and the bells are a fluent anti-clockwise ring of five.
South Oxfordshire
Saturday 22nd February 2003
9.45am Abingdon (10) St Helen 19cwt
11.00am Sutton Courtenay (8) All Saints 12cwt
12.30pm Berrick Salome (6) St Helen 7cwt GF
1.30pm Lunch - The Chequers, Berrick Salome
Heather Banyard, Andrew Dunn, Peter Lloyd, Hillary Stevens, Jonathan Beale, Simon Edwards, Bernard Masterman, Leon Thompson, Jonathan Cresshull, Keith Godfrey, Paul Morley, Steve Davies, Corinne Grimley-Evans, June Steele, Hugh Deam, Susan King, Paul Lucas.
Abingdon The beautiful church of St.Helen, with lofty octagonal spire, is situated adjacent to the River Thames. The church is remarkable for its numerous aisles and porches as well as a variety of roofs. A well preserved row of almshouses named “long alley” are directly to the rear of the church.
Sutton Courtenay The church falls between the Norman and Perpendicular periods. The red brick porch dates from the Tudor era. Notables buried in the churchyard are George Orwell and Herbert Asquith.
Berrick Salome See Sat 6th May 2000.
The Chequers, Berrick Salome. An ideal pub for lunch over and above its convenient location near the church. The meals are reasonably priced and there is a very cosy function room. A recommendation.
2002
The Claydons, Buckinghamshire
Saturday 30th November 2002
9.30am Steeple Claydon (6) St Michael AA 11cwt GF
10.30am East Claydon (6) St Mary 7cwt GF
11.30am Great Horwood (6) St James 16cwt
12.30pm Lunch - The Swan Inn, Great Horwood
Heather Banyard, Andrew Dunn, Janice Knowles, Hillary Stevens, Jonathan Beale, Keith Godfrey, Paul Lucas, Leon Thompson, Jane Burgess, Nick Hartley, Bernard Masterman, Ron Burgess, Roy Jones, Lisa Ryan, Hugh Deam, Susan King, June Steele.
Steeple Claydon By far the largest of the four Claydons, the church is sited on the edge of the village and its spire is visible for many miles around. The church was heavily restored C19. The bells are a challenging ground floor ring of six.
East Claydon A village of many attractive cottages, the church was almost totally rebuilt in 1871. The bells are an easy-going ground floor ring of six.
Great Horwood Originally an Anglo-Saxon dwelling known as Horwudu, meaning a muddy wood. In 1447 it was given a Royal Charter as a market town, and it remains a substantial village to this day. The bells are a fine sounding ring of six.
The Swan Inn, Great Horwood. A cosy pub with dining room warmed by a log fire, it has rightly gained a good reputation. Extensive menu and good value. Recommended.
The Ridgeway, Pang Valley, Berkshire
Saturday 29th September 2002
10.00am Hampstead Norreys (6) St Mary 10cwt GF
11.15am Yattendon (6) SS Peter & Paul 6cwt GF
12.15pm Aldworth (3) St Mary 10cwt GF
12.45pm Lunch - The Bell Inn, Aldworth
Hampstead Norreys The village is still known as Hampstead Norris to some, and is situated by the River Pang. A motte and bailey castle once existed in what is now a copse. On the eastern edge of the village is The Living Rainforest which educates on ecological issues and has continued to expand as a tourist attraction. The parish church dates from c.1200. The bells are a testing ground floor ring of six.
Yattendon The spelling of the name of the village has changed slightly with time, although the pronunciation has remained roughly the same. Etingedene in 1086, followed by Jetingedon in 1223, and then Watindeden by 1236. The castle that existed here was the home of the Norreys family. King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of
Aragon visited here regularly. Some years later when Anne Boleyn was married to Henry she spent time here and during one of the social occasions where dancing was involved she was reported to have dropped her handkerchief on the floor and had it retrieved by Henry Norreys. This seemingly gallant and innocent gesture was distended into a sordid rumour of adultery that led to both being executed.
Aldworth The village is situated on the slopes of the Downs, and grew as a result of a castle built by the de la Beche family who came to the country as a result of the Norman Conquest.
The Bell Inn, Aldworth. A classic countryside pub that has a large beer garden adjacent to the path of the Ridgeway. It is especially good at offering a wide variety of baps and rolls as well as larger meals. Recommended.
River Thames, South Oxfordshire
Saturday 28th September 2002
10.00am Mapledurham (6) St Margaret 8cwt GF
11.00am Checkendon (8) SS Peter & Paul 10cwt
12.05pm Streatley (6) St Mary 8cwt
1.00pm Aston Tirrold (6) St Michael 11cwt
1.35pm Lunch - The Chequers, Aston Tirrold
3.00pm Brightwell cum Sotwell (8) St Agatha 10cwt GF
Jonathan Beale, Nick Hartley, Janice Knowles, Sue Reynolds, Hugh Deam, Helen Howes, Bernard Masterman, Hillary Stevens, Simon Edwards, Anthony Hughes, Paul Morley, Leon Thompson, Keith Godfrey, Roy Jones, Susan Morrison, Basil Townsend, Adrian Gray, Susan King, Ailsa Reid.
Mapledurham Tucked away on the wooded slopes beside the River Thames, the church, great house and working watermill are all grouped together west of the village. The church is of Norman origin, but has been added to over the centuries. The mill is C16, and is the last working watermill on the Thames still producing flour. It was restored in 1977, and is thought to be the inspiration for Toad Hall in Wind In the Willows. The bells are a pleasant ground floor ring of six.
Checkendon Sitting amidst countless beech trees, this primarily Norman church still retains some Saxon masonry, and also boasts C13 wall paintings. The bells are a rhythmical ring of eight.
Streatley See Sat 4th March 2000.
Aston Tirrold The village looks down upon the northern edge of the Berkshire Downs. The church was partly rebuilt in the 12th century, but still retains evidence of various periods of medieval architecture. The bells are a sturdy ring of six.
The Chequers Inn, Aston Tirrold. Friendly welcome, good value meals, and everyone went away satisfied. The pub has since gone somewhat upmarket with the restaurant taking preference over the pub side.
Brightwell cum Sotwell See Sat 12th April 1986.
Salisbury
Saturday 29th June 2002
10.30am Ebbesbourne Wake (5) St John 6cwt
11.30am Compton Chamberlayne (6) St Michael 6cwt
12.20pm Barford St.Martin (6) St Martin 14cwt GF
1.10pm Stratford sub Castle (6) St Lawrence 5cwt
2.45pm Lunch - The Old Castle, Old Sarum
Jane Burgess, Sally Harrison, Peter Lloyd, Sonia Tucker, Ron Burgess, Roy Jones, Bernard Masterman, Hugh Deam, Janice Knowles, Leon Thompson.
Ebbesbourne Wake This wonderfully tranquil village is part of the Salisbury Diocese, and benefits from having a truly delightful parish church that is built on the side of a hill. The village hall often plays host to folk music events.
Compton Chamberlayne The village is dominated by Compton Park at its heart, with the parish church adjoining it on the banks of the tranquil lake that runs off from the River Nadder. There are some spectacular views up toward Compton Wood, west of the village. This is easily one of the most picturesque spots in the entire county. The ring of six bells don’t let the side down as they make ringing a real pleasure.
Barford St Martin Once an area made up primarily of lakes and marshes the area was inhabited long before the Wessex ridge-ways began to criss-cross the land. The chancel of the church is Early English and pre-dates Salisbury Cathedral. The bells are rung from the chancel and take a great deal of careful handling.
Stratford sub Castle St.Lawrence is a beautiful church made up of flint and stone, consecrated in 1326. For four hundred years a two-bell tower, the treble was retained when the bells were made up to a wonderful ring of six in 1997.
The Old Castle, Old Sarum A huge Harvester with three dining rooms, at the foot of the hill leading to the remains of Old Sarum Castle.
Test Valley, Hampshire
Saturday 13th April 2002
10.30am Romsey Abbey (8) St Mary & Ethelflaeda 24cwt
11.40am Farley Chamberlayne (3) St John 5cwt
12.25pm Mottisfont (5) St Andrew 6cwt
1.10pm Lunch - The Crown Inn, Kings Somborne
2.30pm Kings Somborne (6) SS Peter & Paul 10cwt
3.45pm Stockbridge (6) St Peter 7cwt
Jane Burgess, Sally Harrison, Susan King, Susan Morrison, Ron Burgess, Nick Hartley, Janice Knowles, Sue Reynolds, Jonathan Cresshull, Anthony Hughes, Peter Lloyd, Leon Thompson, Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Bernard Masterman, Steve Everett, Paul Lucas, Paul Morley.
Romsey This bustling market town is situated on the banks of the River Test, and acts as a gateway to the New Forest. There are many medieval streets and walkways to explore, with the magnificent Norman Abbey at its centre. The ring of eight bells is nothing short of superb.
Farley Chamberlayne St John’s church is situated some distance from the village, and is situated on high ground that can enable views across to the Isle of Wight on a clear day. The bells are a testing set of three that are rung
from the ground floor.
Mottisfont The small village of Mottisfont is centred around the National Trust owned Abbey, which houses the National Rose Collection. The church is located very near to the River Test, which is arguably at its most scenic along this particular stretch.
The Crown Inn, King’s Somborne This delightful thatched Inn is handily situated directly across the road from the church. The cosy function room proved ideal for the size of our group that day. It possesses a pleasant ambience and delivers good value meals.
This was definitely one of the lunchtime stops that didn’t disappoint. Recommended.
King’s Somborne This is the largest of the four villages in the parish set around the River Test that also includes Little Somborne, Up Somborne and Ashley. John of Gaunt’s deer park was situated here. A cow drove ran through the village that was used by travellers unwilling to pay the tolls on the turnpike roads to Stockbridge.
Stockbridge The picturesque town of Stockbridge lies at the heart of the Test Valley, with the wide High Street reflecting its early role as part
of a drovers road. Traditional tea rooms, grocery stores, pubs, restaurants, antique shops and picture & craft galleries are still to be found on this one street. At certain times of the year trout are to be seen in the River Test which flows directly under the high street.
The Cotswolds
Saturday 16th March 2002
10.00am Stow on the Wold (8) St Edward 27cwt (Gloucs)
11.00am Guiting Power (6) St Michael & AA 6cwt GF (Gloucs)
12.05pm Naunton (6) St Andrew 7cwt (Gloucs)
1.00pm The Black Horse, Naunton
Hugh Deam, Anthony Hughes, Paul Lucas, June Steele, Simon Edwards, Roy Jones, Bernard Masterman, Leon Thompson, Steve Everett, Susan King, Paul Morley, Clare Tucker, Malcolm Fairbairn, Janice Knowles, Ailsa Reid, Richard Verrall, Roy Goodwin, Peter Lloyd, Sue Reynolds, David Williamson, Nick Hartley, John Lonsborough, Charles Smith.
Stow on the Wold The vast market-square testifies to the importance of the town as a major centre for the wool industry in centuries past. The tower of the imposing church is C14, although there has been much alteration to the rest of the building. The bells are a superb ring of eight.
Guiting Power Just outside the village is the Cotswold Farm Park, set on a high point of the Cotswolds, with an exceptionally wide selection of rare farm breeds on show, such as Longhorn cattle, Soay and Orkney sheep, and the renowned Gloucester Old Spot pigs. This is serious Cotswolds country with a bakery, a shop, two pubs, lots of ramblers, and lots of folk on horseback. The River Windrush flows along the valley below. The ground floor ring of six bells are well worth considering for a visit.
Naunton The village of Naunton nestles in the heart of the Windrush Valley,
the Cotswold stone buildings stand out against the rich backcloth of the Wold. The River Windrush meanders through the village. Harford Bridge crosses the river here. The handsome parish church has a fine perpendicular tower, large stone pulpit and a variety of gargoyles. The bells are a rhythmical ground floor ring of six.
2001
Marlborough Downs
Saturday 22nd September 2001
10.15am Lacock (6) St Cyriac 12cwt (Wilts)
11.15am Heddington (6) St Andrew 8cwt (Wilts)
12.05pm Yatesbury (5) All Saints 9cwt GF (Wilts)
12.50pm Avebury (6) St James 4cwt (Wilts)
1.30pm Lunch - The Red Lion, Avebury
4.00pm Wootton Rivers (6) St Andrew 3cwt GF (Wilts)
Hugh Deam, Keith Godfrey, Susan King, Sue Reynolds, Simon Edwards, Sally Harrison, Janice Knowles, Charles Smith, Jonathan Everett, Anthony Hughes, Peter Lloyd, Steve Everett, Roy Jones, Paul Morley.
Lacock The Abbey here was founded in 1229 by Ela, Countess of Salisbury. At that time Lacock was a town rather than a village. The village is awash with thatched and stone cottages, and its Tudor feel has made it popular for film and television productions such as Middlemarch and Poirot. William Fox-Talbot, one of the great pioneers of photography lived here, and there is a museum that bears his name to the south of the village. The C15 church was rebuilt in the Perpendicular style. The village is now a National Trust property. The bells are a magnific peal of six ideal for minor.
Heddington This village is very much in an agricultural area, the church is situated on the northerly edge of the village. A seminal BBC documentary series on country life was made here during the 1970’s. The bells are a pleasing ring of six.
Yatesbury The village is situated about a mile to the north of the A4 between Calne and Beckhampton. Once the site of an RAF base, the village has now largely returned to a more rural identity. The delightful church of All Saints sits on the edge of a copse in the shadow of Windmill Hill. The bells are an engaging ground floor ring of five.
Avebury is a 28 acre World Heritage Site consisting of 100 sarson stones as the outer circle and 40 for the inner circle. The archaeologist Alexander Keiller went to great lengths to have them re-erected in their original positions during the 20th century. The inner ring is enclosed by a ditch and an external bank, and have endured a chequered history since first figuring as a major ceremonial centre c.2500 BC. The church is Saxon and Norman in origin and retains a particularly fine font, rood screen and doorway. It is framed by a spectacular array of trees.
The Red Lion, Avebury is a beautifully thatched historic Inn which plies its trade in the shadow of the stones. The day we were there was the Autumnal Equinox and there was much druid activity outside. Well appointed inside and out, ideal for lunch. Unreserved recommendation.
Wootton Rivers The village is situated on the Kennet and Avon canal and has become something of a dormitory village of late. The pretty church has a three faced clock that defied all expectations as it was built from scrap materials in 1911, when the villagers wished to mark the coronation of King George V, but could not afford a new clock. Most experts said that it could not work, but such dedication went in to the whole enterprise that it still functions today. The very light six bells are rung from the ground floor.
Aylesbury Vale
Saturday 16th June 2001
3.30pm Lane End (6) Holy Trinity 5cwt GF (Bucks)
4.30pm Ickford (3) St Nicholas GF (Bucks)
5.15pm Tetsworth (6) St Giles 4cwt (Bucks)
6.00pm Leigh End Campanile (6) 0-2-8 GF
7.15pm Chilton (3) S.M.V. 7cwt GF (Bucks)
Steve Davies, Helen Howes, Janice Knowles, Sue Reynolds, Richard Day, Roy Jones, Peter Lloyd, June Steele, Hugh Deam, Mary Joseph, John Lonsborough, Mark Walker, Steve Everett, Susan King, Paul Morley, Keith Godfrey, Roy Goodwin, Len Porter.
Lane End See Sat 28th October 1989.
Ickford The church in Ickford is a mixture of Norman and Early English work. From 1644 to 1652 the rectory was held by Gilbert Sheldon, who presented the Sheldonian Theatre to Oxford University and did much to help the poorer clergy. He went on to be successively the Bishop of London and Archbishop of Canterbury.
Tetsworth The village lies in the fertile
plain of the Chiltern escarpment, and long stood on the trunk road between London and Oxford. The village is clearly visible from the M40, with the spire of St.Giles the most prominent feature. The church was rebuilt in 1855 in Early English style. The bells are a pleasing ring of six that trip round nicely.
Leigh End A wonderfully constructed campanile built by Mark Walker, which have since been augmented to a ring of eight.
Chilton A windmill that used to be a focal point of the village was demolished in 1925. The church is set on high ground at the central junction of the village and contains a wonderful array of fine stained glass.
The Chilterns
Saturday 28th April 2001
10.00am Lane End (6) Holy Trinity 5cwt GF (Bucks)
11.00am Turville (5) St Mary 7cwt GF (Bucks)
12.05pm Nettlebed (6) St Bartholomew 6cwt
1.15pm Lunch - The Three Horseshoes, Garsington
3.30pm Little Milton (6) St James 11cwt
5.00pm Thame (8) S.M.V. 11cwt
David Andrews, Nick Hartley, Susan King, Catherine Sherwood, Hugh Deam, Anthony Hughes, Peter Lloyd, Charles Smith, Jonathan Everett, Roy Jones, John Lonsborough, Christine Taylor, Roy Goodwin, Mary Joseph, Paul Morley, Richard Verrall.
Turville The village is replete with C17 - C19 timber framed houses. The Norman church was rebuilt c.1300. The south doorway has pilgrim crosses cut into the masonry. The church is now regularly recognised as Dibley church in The Vicar of Dibley. The Bull and Butcher pub near the church has also gained recognition from television as the most regularly used pub in Midsomer Murders. The windmill that overlooks the village has been known the world over since
serving as the central location for the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the late 1960’s. The barrister and novelist, John Mortimer of Rumpole of the Bailey fame, had three of his novels filmed for television here. Also Goodnight Mr.Tom was filmed almost entirely in the village. The very pleasant ring of five bells are rung from the ground floor.
Lane End See Sat 28th October 1989.
Nettlebed The village came to prominence as a centre for brick-making during the 15th century. Many of the buildings are of the Georgian period, including the Bull Hotel. The present church dates from 1845/6.
Thame has been an important market town since the thirteenth century, with the main street being made up of a variety of styles. There are many C15 – C17 timber-framed houses in the town, as well as several ancient inns. The church is an imposing C13 cruciform example with a C15 tower that was heightened during the 1889 – 1897 restoration. The peal of eight bells can be a little tricky on the front end, but are excellent for pulling the tenor in.
The Three Horseshoes, Garsington The function room that has been added to the rear of this tidy country pub is skilfully in keeping with the rest of the premises. It provided a fine lunch. Well worth a visit.
Little Milton church was built as recently as 1844 by John Hayward of Exeter in a distinctive C14 style. The tower dates from 1861. The long climb up the ladder to the ringing room is somewhat daunting, but the bells are well worth overcoming any fear of heights.
Malvern Hills
Saturday 17th March 2001
10.20am Hallow (8) SS Philip & James 21cwt (Worcs)
11.20am Madresfield (6) S.M.V. 13cwt GF (Worcs)
12.20pm Welland (6) St James 10cwt (Worcs)
1.10pm Lunch - The Three Kings, Hanley Castle
2.30pm Hanley Castle (6) S.M.V. 14cwt (Worcs)
4.30pm Harvington (6) St James the Great 8cwt (Worcs)
Robert Chadburn, John Hearn, Mary Joseph, Paul Morley, Hugh Deam, Anthony Hughes, Susan King, Richard Verrall, Roy Goodwin, Roy Jones, Peter Lloyd.
The Malvern Hills are a limestone outcrop that take their name from the Celtic term for bare hill, and are estimated to be some 650,000,000 years old.
Hanley Castle The castle which once stood here was ordered to be built by King John and took the years between 1206 -1212 to build. In 1324 a gargantuan ditch was carved out around it that was 60ft wide and 7ft deep. The church is tucked away just behind Hanley Castle High School. The bells are about as good a ring as you could wish to find.
Hallow A large village just to the north west of the city of Worcester. The present church is an almost total re-build from 1867-69. The bells are an excellent ring of eight with superb tone, although the tower apparently has a tendency to sway slightly whilst ringing takes place.
Harvington is situated on the banks of the River Avon. The village is notable for its abundance of half-timbered cottages. The bells were hung-dead when first installed, but in 1998 they were re-hung for full-circle ringing, and are now a superb ring of six.
Madresfield The village sits in the heart of the woodland slopes amidst the Malverns, just a couple of miles to the south of Malvern town centre. Madresfield Court is said to be the inspiration for Evelyn Waugh’s novel, Brideshead Revisited. The bells are rung from the ground floor and require good handling. They have since had the tenor and four removed and two lighter trebles added, which has apparently made ringing more equable.
Welland The village sits very much in the shadow of the Malvern Hills to its north and west. The church is situated at the crossroads just to the west of the main part of the village.
A smart new village hall has been built opposite. The tower dating from 1874 can be felt to sway slightly when ringing is in progress. The bells were re-hung in 1936, and are a particularly fluent ring of six.
The Three Kings, Hanley Castle The pub virtually adjoins the church gate, and is so understated that it could be easily missed. The epitome of a traditional country hostelry, this is a true hidden gem that eschews any hint of commercialism, offering wholesome country cooking. Voted as CAMRA’s Pub of the Year in 1993, and runner up in 1998. The pub has been run by the same family for over a century. Not surprisingly it figures strongly on several websites devoted to documenting favoured watering-holes countrywide. Recommended without hesitation.
2000
Vale of the White Horse
Saturday 21st October 2000
10.00am Buscot (4) St Mary 7cwt GF
10.45am Faringdon (8) All Saints 17cwt
11.45am Longcot (8) S.M.V. 8cwt GF
12.30pm Shellingford (6) St Faith 6cwt GF
1.30pm Lunch - The Fox & Hounds, Uffington
2.30pm Uffington (6) St Mary 12cwt
3.30pm Childrey (6) St Mary 12cwt GF
Hugh Deam, Steve Everett, Anthony Hughes, Richard Verrall, Jonathan Everett, Keith Godfrey, Roy Jones, Joy Everett, Roy Goodwin, Mary Joseph.
Uffington The village is undoubtedly best known for the 3,000+ year old chalk-figure of a white horse that dominates a hill nearby, and has become synonymous with Uffington. Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman lived in the village for many years, and the author of Tom Brown’s School Days, Thomas Hughes was born at the vicarage here. The museum dedicated to him here is housed in the school which inspired many of his works. The church has long been dubbed the Cathedral of the Vale. The octagonal tower is a constant source of fascination, and the bells are a gorgeous ring of six.
Buscot The church is located on the banks of the upper Thames just to the south of the village. There is a fine Norman chancel, with the tower being C15. The pulpit is made from Flemish altar panels. To the rear of the church lies the idyllic Cheese Wharf, a beautiful stretch of water that loops off from Buscot Lock. This ground floor ring of four was much in demand this day as two other outings had it on their itineraries. Faringdon - This is a town of immense historical interest, being home of King Alfred, and his son Edward, the first King of England died in Faringdon. During the 1930’s Lord Berners built England’s last folly on the outskirts of the town.
Longcot The heart of the village is very much centred around its green with the C13 church just beyond. Longcot grew as a result of its wharf which saw coal, wool, beer and grain passing along the canal. With the demise of the canals, dairy farming became the dominant employer. The tower of the church was rebuilt after its collapse in 1722. The churchyard is carefully managed to ensure that it is a wildlife garden. The bells are an eclectic ground floor ring of eight. The village won the Best Kept Small Village title in 2003.
Shellingford A late C12 church with internal restoration around 1850. The spire was replaced by a fibre-glass structure during WW2 due to the proximity of an aerodrome. The bells were augmented to a six during the 1990’s, and make for fluent ringing.
Childrey St.Mary’s is an important Norman cruciform church with late C14 tower. The ground floor ring has recently been augmented to an eight. The village sits at the foot of the Berkshire Downs, with at its heart one of the best kept village ponds anywhere in the country.
River Thames & South Chilterns
Saturday 6th May 2000
10.00am Ewelme (6) S.M.V. 18cwt GF
11.00am Benson (8) St Helen 14cwt A/C
12.05pm Berrick Salome (6) St Helen 7cwt GF
Hugh Deam, Anthony Hughes, Susan King, Mary Richardson, Roy Goodwin, Roy Jones, Peter Lloyd, Sally Harrison, Mary Joseph, Jim Richardson.
Ewelme The large C15 church still retains its fine wooden font. The school and almshouses were also built around that period. Geoffrey Chaucer’s grand-daughter, Alice, regularly entertained royalty here as the wife of the Duke of Suffolk. Much work has been done by dedicated local people to help restore the famed watercress beds to their former glory. The author of Three Men In A Boat, Jerome K. Jerome, is buried in the churchyard of St.Mary’s.
Benson Originally named Bensington, this was a British town captured by the Saxons in 571, and it subsequently became a frontier town between Wessex and Mercia. Benson had a royal manor from Saxon times up until 1628, when Charles I was required to sell it. The tower of the church is Georgian, but there is little left of the original C13 and C14 architecture.
Berrick Salome The intimate church of St.Helen dates from Saxon times, with a Norman font and the present roof dating from 1615. The wooden gallery at the west end of the nave is from 1676. The ground floor ring of six bells are easy going, but can sound much louder than some may be comfortable with. Fortunately the church is set away from the village.
Training Morning
Saturday 25th March 2000
10.00am Kirtlington S.M.V. 16cwt
Richard Day, Anthony Hughes, Susan King, Clare Tucker, Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Peter Lloyd, Roy Goodwin, Mary Joseph, Paul Morley.
Kirtlington The village stands at the junction of two Roman roads, Akeman Street and Portway. During Saxon times it was a frontier town of Mercia. The church tower was rebuilt in the Norman style, with the chancel and nave arcades surviving from the Early English period.
River Thames & The Ridgeway
Saturday 4th March 2000
10.00am Purley on Thames (6) St.Mary 8cwt GF (Berks)
11.00am Pangbourne (6) St James the Less 10cwt (Berks)
11.45am Whitchurch (6) S.M.V. 8cwt
12.45pm Streatley (6) St Mary 8cwt (Berks)
1.30pm Lunch - The Catherine Wheel, Goring on Thames
3.15pm Goring on Thames (8) St Thomas of Canterbury 8cwt
4.15pm Cholsey (8) St Mary 10cwt
Hugh Deam, Anthony Hughes, Edgar Litt, Margaret McHugh, Simon Edwards, Roy Jones, Peter Lloyd, Paul Morley, Roy Goodwin, Mary Joseph, Nesta Long, Leonora Richardson, Sally Harrison, Susan King, Brian Lowe, Jim Richardson, Mary Richardson.
Purley on Thames The Saxon church, c.1150 is located beside the Marina to the south of Purley. The tower dates from 1626 and the bells date from 1628 – 1788. Just prior to the turn of the millennium they were retuned and re-hung.
Pangbourne The town takes its name from the stream called the Pang which flows into the River Thames here. Kenneth Grahame lived in Church Cottage, whilst the illustrator of The Wind In The Willows, Ernest Shepherd, used the river here to inspire his drawings. The ring of six bells are well worth a visit.
Whitchurch A fine Victorian iron bridge crosses the Thames directly into Pangbourne and the county of Berkshire. This pretty church was rebuilt in 1858 in C14 style, and is tucked away behind the cottages adjoining the watermill. A very pleasing ring of six bells
Streatley Streatley lies at the foot of wooded chalk hills where beech trees cast down their arching branches as they flank the river. The tower of St.Mary’s church rises to a height not much beyond that of the nave. The bells trip round very nicely, but can sound quite loud in the ringing room.
Goring on Thames Goring is rightly noted for its Edwardian riverside houses and gabled boathouses. The early C12 church was rebuilt in 1887 and is subtly sheltered by an array of trees. This is a splendid light ring of eight bells.
Cholsey St Mary’s is a fine Norman work. A major restoration in 1877 left an early English chancel unspoilt. Agatha Christie is buried in the churchyard to the rear of the church. This lovely ring of eight makes you want to come back again and again.
