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2006
Training Morning
Saturday 25th November 2006

Ducklington (6) St.Bartholomew 4cwt
Witney (8) SMV 16cwt

Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Susan King, Judith Kirby, Janice Knowles, Peter Lloyd, Bernard Masterman, Donna Murphy, Susie Pavelin, Charles Smith, Mark Wastie.

The River Windrush runs through Ducklington almost unnoticed, with the large village pond nestling picturesquely between the church and the Bell Inn. Beyond the obvious popularity of the immaculately kept village centre amongst the dozens-strong population of ducks, Ducklington is noted for being one of the best places to see the rare native lily, the snakeshead fritillary. St.Bartholomew’s is a Transitional Norman church with chancel, nave and tower all dating from that period. Major alterations were made during the 14th century, with another restoration around 1871. The light ring of six trip round beautifully. The town of Witney came to prominence during Saxon times, and expanded again in the years leading up to the Reformation. The Bishops of Winchester had a palace here which they used as a country residence, and the remains of which are to be found at the rear of the parish church of St.Mary the Virgin. For many centuries Witney was a pivotal centre for the weaving of blanket cloth due to the waters of the Windrush containing nitrous qualities suitable for the fulling process. Church Green is surrounded by the very impressive presence of the church, the buttercross and the rows of C16 and C17 almshouses. The ring of eight bells always leaves a good impression.

Gloucestershire
Saturday 14th October 2006

Watermoor, Holy Trinity (8) 19cwt GF
Chalford, Christ Church (6) 10cwt Steel
Woodchester, St Mary (6) 9cwt
Avening, Holy Cross (6) 12cwt
Cherington, St Nicholas (5) 6cwt GF

Jonathan Beale, Carole Beckley, Jane Burgess, Ron Burgess, Hugh Deam, Anthony Ellis, Anthony Hughes, Roy Jones, Susan King, Judith Kirby, Janice Knowles, Peter Lloyd, Bernard Masterman, Donna Murphy, Miranda Oliver, Susie Pavelin, June Steele, Anthony Stewart, Serge Zvegintzov, Richard Bennett.

Watermoor Situated on the eastern side of Cirencester, the church was built in the mid 19th century to cater for the immense Sunday congregations of some 1500+ at St John the Baptist in the town centre. Holy Trinity has impeccable credentials having been designed by Sir George Gilbert-Scott at the behest of Canon William Powell. The bells were added at the end of the century. Founded by the Romans in 49 AD with the name of Corinium, the town stands where Akeman Street, Ermine Street and Fosse Way all converge, and its importance was second only to that of London. The plethora of limestone buildings combined with the sense of history and tradition allow Cirencester to claim the title of "King of the Cotswolds". Chalford lies amidst a deep wooded gorge in the Golden Valley that gives the village a distinct Alpine character, so much so that it is referred to on maps as being an "Alpine Village". A settlement is known to have existed here some 5000 years ago, and the remnants of a Roman villa are also open to view. There are two schools of thought as to the derivation of its name, with the Norman Calf-ford or the Saxon Cealj (chalk) Ford. The village expanded rapidly with the construction of the Thames & Severn Canal and the settling of displaced Flemish Huguenots in the 17th and 18th centuries. Quality silk and woollen cloth was manufactured here by these finest of weavers. Christ Church was built in 1726, and enlarged to meet the growing population during 1841. It enjoys a truly sumptuous view across to the wooded eastern slopes and the railway line built along the escarpment. The bells are unusual in that they are made of steel. Woodchester Direction signs still point to the original location of the church, with the churchyard and building remnants still in place to the anterior of a gothic mansion. The church was moved to a more central position for the combined villages - North and South - in 1884, with church and school sited close together, and enjoying a resplendent woodland backdrop. The spire of St Mary’s is distinctly impressive. Nailsworth The original settlement was known as Naeglesleag, meaning the ley or pasture of Naegl, which was the Saxon word for Nail. The town has its own crest, with the upper part showing three sheep on a green background, and the lower section being the original coat of arms of Lord Windsor, who granted the Manors of Avening and Hampton in 1543. The deep valleys here are formed by Horsley Stream, Miry Brook, Avening Stream and Nailsworth Stream as they all converge in the town centre as they flow on down to the River Frome. The town has a wonderful array of shops, picturesque cottages and peculiar road names such as Frying Pan Alley, Egypt, Gydynap Lane and Pinfarthings. As a legacy of the woollen industry many mills still remain in good condition clustered on the hillsides. The Weighbridge Inn is situated just outside the town on the Avening Road, and proved an absolute must to recommend as everyone, without exception, was bowled over by the prompt service, superb quality of meals, well kept Cotswold beer, and its speciality 2 in 1 pies that lived up to their lofty billing. Avening is a village with a wealth of history, an extensive Roman burial ground and several tombs were unearthed here in a field known as The Norm during 1809. The village and lands surrounding are noted in the Domesday Book as belonging to Brittric, Lord of Gloucester. He was sent by King Edward the Confessor on an important ambassadorial mission to meet Baldwin, Count of Flanders, and it was there that he first met Matilda, who would later marry William the Conqueror. At this time she was enamoured of Brittric, but he rejected her advances, a declension that turned out to be fatal as she later used her influence as Queen to dispossess him of all his properties and have him incarcerated in Worcester Prison where he died. The original church was ordered destroyed and a new church built by Matilda, with it being consecrated on Holy Cross Day in 1080. Avening became a favourite resort of royalty from then on, with the church endowed to the Abbey of Holy Trinity, Caen for the next 333 years. The tradition of a Feast on Holy Cross Sunday led to the current Pig Face Day celebrations. Cherington This pretty village is situated on the gentler eastern slopes of the Golden Valley and borders the Gatcombe Estate. The church is primarily Early English and noted for the exceptional medieval mouldings around the lancet windows. In the mid 19th century one of its bells was purloined, and later reappeared in the Avening tower. The ensuing scandal led to three ringers being sent to prison after admitting to smuggling the bell out of St Nicholas. Their misdeed had all been for nothing anyway as the bell had not been conducive with the existing bells.

Suffolk
Saturday 9th September 2006
Tostock, St.Andrew (6) 5½ cwt
Woolpit, St.Mary (6) 8cwt
The Bull Inn, Woolpit
Buxhall, St.Mary (6) 15cwt

Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Judith Kirby, Maarit Kivilo, Janice Knowles, Peter Lloyd, Bernard Masterman, Donna Murphy, Neville Whittell, Richard Bennett.

Tostock The Grade I listed church is sited to the east of the village. Flanking the exquisite flint and limestone church are an array of trees, with a large lime tree towering over the gateway. The church was restored and enlarged in 1848. The tower is of a square battlemented design, with the treble bell dating from as far back as 1460, and the 2 & 3 from 1527. The fourth being added a century later, and all four having been cast in nearby Bury St.Edmunds. From 1960 the existing four bells were removed from the tower due to their mountings being declared unsafe. They were stored for safe keeping until a concerted effort of fund-raising between 1996 – 1999 led to them being re-hung and augmented to six, with, unusually, the back two bells forming the additions. The first peal on the bells was on Christmas Day 1999. Woolpit This is a village of historical significance in a most picturesque setting that attracts many tourists and painters, thus helping it maintain a bakery, farm shop, post office, fish & chip shop, hairdresser, antique & art galleries and three pubs. Known as Wolfpit during the 12th century because of its many ditches acting as protection against wolves, the village sign on the road fronting the church depicts a boy, a girl, a church and a wolf. This attests to the local legend of the two green children who appeared out of one such pit at harvest-time. Farmers brought them back to the village where they would only eat green vegetables. When asked of their origins they could only recall sketchy details of it being known as the land of St. Martin. It was across the river, where many churches existed close together, bells rang regularly, the sun never reached high in the sky and herds of cattle roamed. The children changed colour after being encouraged on to a diet of bread, but the boy fell ill and died soon after. The girl is said to have gone on to marry a man from Kings Lynn. With its fine spire and angel-roof, St. Mary’s church is rightly considered one of the most glorious parish churches in England. Besides the 200 angel carvings there are also many representations of jesters, dragons and eagles. The priests’ door remains from C12, although much else, such as tower, porch and carved pews stem from C15. The six bells are truly superb and sound good from inside as well as outside. The Bull Inn, Woolpit The pub specialises in satisfyingly tasty and traditional English country cooking, with exceptionally generous servings at pleasing prices. Buxhall The Decorated period church is situated just the south of the village, with the imposing tower unusually dating from slightly earlier. The bells are a robust six with a good tone. The village is currently in the process of going online with its own website.

Dorset
Saturday 15 July 2006

11.15am Tarrant Keyneston (5), All Saints 7cwt GF
12.15pm Witchampton (6), St Mary
1.15pm Lunch - Witchampton Social Club
3.l5pm Iwerne Courtney (Shroton) (6), St Mary 9cwt GF
4.15pm Gussage St Michael (6), St Michael AA 11cwt

Heather Banyard, Carole Beckley, Ron Burgess, Roy Jones, Janice Knowles, Jonathan Beale, Jane Burgess, Hugh Deam, Judith Kirby, Bernard Masterman, Donna Murphy.

The villages that have grown up along the course of the River Stour have a rich history, most notably during the years of the English Civil War. Although much of Dorset was a Royalist stronghold, and had strongholds that were last to surrender, it was here around Cranborne Chase that a group disillusioned by the constant fighting on both sides came into being. The Clubmen were a mostly clergy-led group who eventually met the same fate at the hands of Cromwell as the eventually defeated Cavaliers. The historic organic bakery in Long Crichel is well worth a visit, and there is superb fruit farm (Bake Farm) on the direct road to the area from Salisbury. Tarrant Keyneston One of eight villages within a short radius to carry the Tarrant prefix, Tarrant Keyneston has for some time been the venue for the Great Dorset Steam Fair which is one of the largest in the country. The villages have developed around the area which was once graced by Tarrant Abbey, established c.1100 by Ralph de Kahaines. One of the first ever books in the English language was written at the Abbey. The bells are a refreshingly easy to ring set of five. Witchampton The village is sited alongside the River Allen with the church being overlooked by the churchyard which is sited on the hill behind the church. The area of the village known as New Town was built to house the displaced inhabitants of Moor Crichel which was submerged beneath the 60 acre lake constructed by the owners of Crichel House. The ring of six bells are ideal for fluent ringing. Iwerne Courtney (Shroton) Set in the Iwerne Valley, the village has had many changes of name down the centuries, noted in the Domesday Book as being Werne, it had been renamed Yuern Curtenay by the mid 13th century, and then Shroton (Sheriff’s Estate) in 1337. The present church was rebuilt in 1610 in a Gothic style, and the ropes have a tendency to be on the long side due to the loss of the trees that long bordered the tower. Gussage St Michael The village has developed around the Roman road of Ackling Dyke, with the church being built on a hillside. The bells are a smooth flowing anti-clockwise ring of six.

Mini Outing
Sunday 30th April 2006

12.15pm Salford (5), St.Mary 6cwt (Oxon)
1.15pm The Red Lion, Little Compton (Warks)
2.30pm Little Compton (5), St.Denys 6cwt GF (Warks)
3.15pm Chastleton (6), SMV 6cwt (Oxon)

Carole Beckley, Andrew Dunn, Janice Knowles, Donna Murphy, Jane Burgess, Anthony Hughes, Carrie Leonard-McIntyre, Leon Thompson, Ron Burgess, Roy Jones, Peter Lloyd, Hugh Deam, Judith Kirby, Bernard Masterman.

The King Stone is a large Standing-stone, probably erected to mark a Bronze Age cemetery dating to somewhere between 1800 – 1500 BC. The strange shape of the King is partly the result of 17th century drovers and visitors who continually chipped off bits to use as lucky charms and keep the Devil at bay. Salford This pretty little church is Norman in origin, although re-built in sympathetic style from 1854 by the prolific G.E.Street, with only the doorways surviving fully intact from Norman times.

Little Compton This small, but aesthetically pleasing C14 church adjoins the C17 manor house that was built for Bishop William Juxon, and has an unusual saddleback tower. The village derives its name from the original of Compton in Floribus, so named because of the profusion of flowers in the surrounding area.
Chastleton The church and adjoining manor house were built in 1603 at the behest of rich wool merchant, Walter Jones. They have remained largely unaltered during the intervening years, with the house being noted for its ornate panelling, fine glass and tapestries.

Stanton Harcourt
Saturday 25th March 2006

5.00pm Stanton Harcourt (6) St Michael 11cwt

Paul Bayes, Hugh Deam, Judith Kirby, Donna Murphy, June Steele, Jonathan Beale, Roy Jones, Janice Knowles, Susie Pavelin, Joan Beale, Robert Bruce, Susan King, Bernard Masterman, Ailsa Reid, John Beale, Richard Bennett.

Stanton Harcourt A Bronze Age settlement existed here. The village was the property of the Harcourt family for some six centuries, with he manor house dating from late C14 to mid C15. Pope’s Tower is so named after Alexander Pope was lent its use for a year to complete his translation of Homer’s Illyad. The church is situated virtually adjoining the great house. The majority of the building stems from C13 when the church was substantially enlarged, although some C12 traces remain. The stained glass dates from 1475 – 1480. The bells are a fine ring of six that are rung from a truly gargantuan ringing room.

The Cotswolds
Saturday 11th March 2006

10.00am Moreton in Marsh (8) St David 10cwt (Gloucs)
11.15am Todenham (6) St Thomas of Canterbury 12cwt GF (Gloucs)
12.15pm Great Wolford (6) St Michael AA 11cwt (Warks)
1.30pm Lunch - The Norman Knight, Whichford
2.45pm Whichford (8) St Michael 12cwt GF (Warks)
3.45pm Cherington (5) St John the Baptist 7cwt GF (Warks)

John Beale, Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Bernard Masterman, Jonathan Beale, Andrew Dunn, Judith Kirby, Donna Murphy, Carole Beckley, Clare Fairbairn, Susan King, June Steele, Bob Benstead, Malcolm Fairbairn, Janice Knowles, Hillary Stevens, Jane Burgess, Adrian Gray, Peter Lloyd, Richard Verrall, Robert Chadburn, Anthony Hughes, Paul Lucas.

Moreton in Marsh This busy old market town lies astride the broad Fosse Way. The town is built almost entirely along an exceptionally wide, grass-verged main street. The name of the town may well refer to its position near the march or boundary of Gloucestershire; some two miles distant is a stone column which marks the meeting-place of three counties. In the heart of town stands a C16 Curfew Tower. The elegant church is tucked away on the south east corner of the town, with a beautifully proportioned tower that houses a rewarding ring of eight bells, although the ringing room is rather cramped. Todenham See Sat 17th October 1992 for details. Great Wolford A village of many Cotswold stone cottages, owned by Lord Redesdale of Batsford up until 1924. The village is situated close to Wolford Wood, which plays host to a number of rare orchids and much birdlife. The present church is a C19 rebuild upon the foundations of its C12 predecessor. The bells are a fine ring of six. The Norman Knight, Whichford. A classic Cotswold pub with its own brewery and a campsite. The flagstone floors and exposed timbers all add to the traditional ambience. The pub offers a choice of three of their own ales, Apprentice, One for the Toad and Druid’s Fluid. As there were a few more of us than had been bargained for we had to split into three groups as the pub is of modest size. Meals are good value. Recommended. Whichford The village of Wicford as it was known as then, is mentioned in the Domesday Book, due to its castle and church. The church is Norman and possesses an excellent peal of eight bells that are rung from the ground floor. Cherington Often confused with the slightly larger village in South Gloucestershire, this is a ground floor ring of five, with a number of the bells being deeply set. They were due to be re-hung shortly after our visit.

2005
North Test Valley
Saturday 8th October 2005

10.15am Longparish (6) St Nicholas 7cwt GF (Hants)
11.15am Goodworth Clatford (8) St Peter 7cwt (Hants)
12.30pm Upper Clatford (6) All Saints 9cwt GF (Hants)
1.30pm Lunch - The Crook & Shears, Upper Clatford
3.00pm Abbotts Ann (6) St Mary 9cwt (Hants)
4.15pm Thruxton (6) SS Peter & Paul 8cwt (Hants)

Jonathan Beale, Simon Chadwick, Roy Jones, Bernard Masterman, Carole Beckley, Hugh Deam, Susan King, June Steele, Jane Burgess, Andrew Dunn, Judith Kirby, Leon Thompson, Bob Benstead, Adrian Gray, Janice Knowles, Serge Zvegintzov, Ron Burgess, Anthony Hughes, Peter Lloyd.

Longparish The village is aptly named as it stretches to nearly two miles in length, as follows the course of the emergent River Test. The Clatfords Goodworth Clatford and Upper Clatford are twin villages that straddle the River Anton. The villages derive their name from "The ford where the burdock grows." The Hand & Shears, Upper Clatford. Traditional C16 village pub, with charming thatched house with large inglenooks offering a variety of real ales and good food in pleasant surroundings. Well worth a visit. Abbotts Ann The village, just to the west of Anna Valley, is situated on the western edge of Bury Hill, and was originally called Abbotts Anna , but renamed somewhere C10. The church was rebuilt in 1718 by Thomas Pitt. There is much fine stained glass, tracery and panelling. Thruxton The village lies in a conservation area, and is enhanced by a plethora of lovely cottages in idyllic country setting. Its name has been modified a few times. Turkilleston, Thruxkleston and Throxton. The church is C13, with bells that are a pleasant ground floor ring of six.

The Cotswolds
Sunday 25th September 2005

2.30pm Cold Aston (5) St Andrew 7cwt GF (Gloucs)
1.30pm Lunch The Mousetrap Inn, Bourton on the Water
3.00pm Naunton (6) St Andrew 7cwt GF (Gloucs)

Heather Banyard, Ron Burgess, Anthony Hughes, Paul Lucas, Jonathan Beale, Alan Coates, Roy Jones, Bernard Masterman, Carole Beckley, Hugh Deam, Janice Knowles, Donna Murphy, Jane Burgess, Andrew Dunn, Peter Lloyd, Charles Smith.

Cold Aston Long known as Aston Blank, the village is set on high ground at the heart of the Cotswolds. The village green is overlooked by a fine Georgian building, Sycamore House. The Mousetrap Inn, Bourton on the Water. A pleasant surprise this. There was a warm welcome, plenty of room, pleasant surroundings and astoundingly good value meals. It had been one of the hardest searches to find a convenient pub with sensible prices on Sunday lunchtime for this mini-outing, but the effort was rewarded with this historic pub on the edge of the town. Highly recommended. Naunton This is a long straggly village of typical Cotswold stone houses spread out along the floor of the deep Windrush valley. The church has a very handsome Perpendicular tower with pinnacles, gargoyles, a white stone pulpit and an old Saxon cross. It was considerably restored in 1878. Of Naunton’s old manor house there remains only a C15 four-gabled dovecot with almost 2,000 nesting boxes. The bells are a very pleasant ring of six, rung from the ground floor.

North Aston
Sunday 24th July 2005
12.30pm North Aston (6) St Mary 6cwt

Heather Banyard, Roy Jones, Bernard Masterman, Bettina Stohr, Hugh Deam, Susan King, Donna Murphy, Andrew Dunn, Peter Lloyd, Charles Smith.

North Aston The C15th tower closely adjoins the east wing of North Aston Hall. The main body of the church dates from c1300, with the mansion being a C17 Jacobean house. The bells are rung from a gallery, with the 4th and 5th ropes being rather close together.

Wylye Valley, Wiltshire
Saturday 9th July 2005
10.15am Stapleford (6) St Mary 8cwt
11.30am Middle Woodford (6) All Saints 8cwt
1.00pm Lunch - The Boot Inn, Berwick St James

Heather Banyard, Hugh Deam, Judith Kirby, Bernard Masterman, Jonathan Beale, Sally Harrison, Janice Knowles, Bob Benstead, Roy Jones, Peter Lloyd.

Stapleford church was built in the 13th century and initially owned by Salisbury Cathedral. The tower was added in 1674 and houses a wonderful set of bells. The churchyard is immaculately kept at the front and rear of the church, which nestles in a valley overlooked by Butts Hill. Middle Woodford backs on to Smithen Down to the west and the church of All Saints is situated on the coaching road from Salisbury to Amesbury which runs adjoins the River Avon. The Boot Inn, Berwick St James is a very attractive and thoughtfully maintained pub with nicely appointed garden which enhances lunch on a summer’s day. Recommended.

Northamptonshire
Saturday 21st May 2005
10.30am Ravensthorpe (5) St Denys 7cwt GF
11.30am Cold Ashby (6) St Denys 7cwt
12.30pm Guilsborough (6) St Etheldreda 8cwt GF
1.30pm Lunch – The Ward Arms, Guilsborough

Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Janice Knowles, Bernard Masterman, Andrew Dunn, Judith Kirby, Peter Lloyd.

Ravensthorpe A reservoir was constructed near the village between 1886 – 1890. The church of St.Denys dates from 1290 and is Grade II Listed. The churchyard is immaculately kept. The bells are a challenging ground floor ring of five. Cold Ashby The village sits at 656ft above sea level, and was one of 24 villages bestowed upon the Abbey of Coventry by Earl Leofric during the reign of Edward the Confessor. During the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell’s troops camped here prior to the decisive Battle of Naseby. The primarily Early English church lies at the top of the village, but retains its Saxon arch doorway. The bells had recently been expertly augmented from a four to a six. Guilsborough A church was founded here by the monks of Brixworth, then

an outpost of Peterborough. Originally named after St.Wilfred, the dedication changed to St Etheldreda somewhere along the line. The tower is C13, with much rebuilding in the years after 1815 and 1923. One of the bells dates from 1593. The Ward Arms, Guilsborough. Unassuming pub with a distinct Midlands feel about it. Sensibly priced meals.

Training Morning
Saturday 7th May 2005

9.45am Shiplake (8) SS Peter & Paul 9cwt GF
12.30pm South Stoke (6) St Andrew 9cwt
1.45pm Lunch - The Perch & Pike, South Stoke

Jonathan Beale, Andrew Dunn, Judith Kirby, Susan Morrison, Bob Benstead, Roy Jones, Janice Knowles, Donna Murphy, Simon Chadwick, Susan King, Peter Lloyd, June Steele, Hugh Deam, Anthony Hughes, Bernard Masterman.

Shiplake A late C14 early C15 church that was almost entirely rebuilt by G.E.Street in 1869. The church is situated close to the River Thames and the eight bell tower is now set up to be a Ringing Centre. South Stoke The village still retains several 16th century cottages as well as an 18th century Inn, The Perch & Pike. The railway bridge that crosses the River Thames here was built between 1838 – 1840 by the great Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The church is an early English building, although much restored in 1850. The font is C14, and also of note is the very elaborate monument of 1659 to Griffith Higgs, Chaplain to the Queen of Bohemia. The Perch & Pike, South Stoke. A C17 coaching inn that sits very close to the Ridgeway Path. There are open log fires and a great deal of ambience.

The Mole Valley, Surrey
Saturday 2nd April 2005

10.45am Buckland (6) S.M.V. 6cwt (Surrey)
11.45am Betchworth (8) St Michael 11cwt (Surrey)
12.45pm Leigh (6) St Bartholomew 7cwt (Surrey)
1.30pm Lunch - The Plough, Leigh
3.00pm Newdigate (6) St Peter 8cwt (Surrey) GF

John Beale, Hugh Deam, Janice Knowles, Ailsa Reid, Jonathan Beale, Adrian Gray, Bernard Masterman, Serge Zvegintzov, Bob Benstead, Susan King, Donna Murphy.

The Mole Valley takes its name from one of England’s most attractive rivers, the River Mole. The valley contains a variety of stunning landscapes dotted with small villages and market towns steeped in history. Buckland is noted for looking at its most glorious in the spring due to the proliferation of cherry trees. Buckland has won numerous Best Kept Village competitions, and is unusual in having three village greens. The windmill is the only known surviving wind-powered sawmill in the country. The church was rebuilt in 1860 by Henry Woodyer in the original C14 style, and boasts intensely coloured stained glass and well-maintained timber belfry with wood-shingled spire. The church is attractively sited next to the enormous village pond, this area being a Conservation Area. The bells were re-hung just after our visit. Details are available here. Betchworth The C13 church in Betchworth underwent a series of major alterations in Victorian times. The tower is rather unusually situated and houses a sublime ring of eight bells. The lavish Victorian pulpit is surrounded by multi-coloured marble decorated mosaic figures representing faith, hope and charity. The church served as a location for the film “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” Leigh enjoys a secluded position in the heart of the weald, and retains a fine village green and a C18 pub of some note, The Plough. The C15 church was extensively renovated during the Victorian era. The ringers and choir have to share the gallery, with several of the bells needing to be rung by standing on the pews. The Plough in Leigh provided a superb lunch and unreservedly gained a recommendation from the ringers. A must visit. Newdigate The village name of Newdigate derives from "On Ewood Gate" - literally meaning On the Road to the Yew Wood. The church is positioned at the highest point of the village and is still surrounded by panoply of yew trees. The belfry tower remains from C15, and there is a scale model of the church made out of matchsticks on show.

The Cotswolds
Saturday 26th February 2005

10.00am Fulbrook (6) St James the Great 5cwt
11.15am Alvescot (6) St Peter 9cwt GF
12.15pm Lechlade (6) St Lawrence 13cwt (Gloucs)
1.15pm Lunch - The Red Lion, Lechlade

Heather Banyard, Anthony Hughes, Judith Kirby, Donna Murphy, Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Janice Knowles, Hilary Nex, Andrew Dunn, Susan King, Peter Lloyd, Hillary Stevens.

Fulbrook The trio of Tom, Dick and Harry is probably attributable to the Dunsden brothers who came from a well respected Fulbrook family, but who turned to crime as notorious highwaymen who regularly held up the Oxford to Gloucester coach. Boasting of their nefarious deeds in the Bird In Hand Inn led to two of them being put to death on nearby Habber Gallows Hill. Alvescot Only the doorway remains from the original C13 church in Alvescot, whilst much of the rest of this cruciform church is C14., although the chancel was rebuilt during C19. The ground floor ring of six makes for a very pleasant visit, although the church can be rather cold during wintertime. Lechlade lies on the southern fringes of the Cotswolds and is the head of navigation on the River Thames. Halfpenny Bridge with its old toll house straddles the river at the south end of the town. Here the Leach and the Thames meet. The churchyard was named "Shelley’s Walk" after the poet wrote one of his most famous works here in 1815. The Red Lion, Lechlade. Unassuming pub just to the south of the church that offers meals at good value prices.

2004
Training Morning
Saturday 6th November 2004

10.00am Middleton Stoney (6) All Saints 9cwt GF
11.30am Piddington (5) St Nicholas 8cwt GF
1.00pm Lunch - the Nut Tree, Murcott

Heather Banyard, Andrew Dunn, Paul Lucas, Richard Verrall, Jonathan Beale, Simon Edwards, Bernard Masterman, Jonathan Cresshull, Roy Jones, Charles Smith, Hugh Deam, Janice Knowles, Hillary Stevens.

Middleton Stoney All Saints is situated in the grounds of Middleton Park, on the southern edge of the village. The present church is a Victorian rebuild of the Norman original. The Mansion House was designed by the Lutyens family during the 1930’s for the 9th Earl of Jersey. Piddington The sumptuous chancel of St.Nicholas remains from early C14. The tower was added in C16, and is exceptionally low, barely exceeding the height of the nave. The Nut Tree, Murcott is a beautiful pub, with a pond directly in front it, which plays host to a collection of ducks. Cosy atmosphere inside and extensive menu. Recommended.

Forest of Dean
Saturday 9th October 2004

10.45am Newnham on Severn (8) St Peter 17cwt GF (Gloucs)
11.45am Littledean (6) St Ethelbert 10cwt (Gloucs)
12.45pm Blaisdon (6) St Michael AA 7cwt GF (Gloucs)
1.30pm Lunch - The Red Hart Inn, Blaisdon
3.00pm Longhope (8) All Saints 10cwt (Gloucs)
4.00pm Huntley (6) St John the Baptist 7cwt GF
5.00pm Churcham (6) St Andrew 13cwt

Heather Banyard, Hugh Deam, Janice Knowles, Hillary Stevens, Jonathan Beale, Revd Anthony Ellis, Peter Lloyd, Richard Verrall, Bob Benstead, Roy Jones, John Lonsborough, Serge Zvegintzov, Jane Burgess, Susan King, Bernard Masterman, Ron Burgess, Judith Kirby, Sue Reynolds.

Newnham on Severn The River Severn makes a giant loop between Arlingham on the eastern bank and Newnham on the western bank. The river bank exposes fossil-bearing Jurassic limestone. Littledean The nearby manor house, Littledean Hall, is reputed to be the oldest inhabited house in England. It is 6th century with Saxon and Celtic remains throughout the cellars.

Blaisdon Besides the plum orchards, there is also a profusion of apples and pears around this area. It is also very much the home of the Orchard Pig, probably better known today as the Gloucester Old Spot. The Red Hart Inn This pretty pub in the heart of the Forest of Dean hosts a Plum Day on the Sunday of August Bank Holiday, where visitors can sample the local Blaisdon Red plum, amongst others on offer. Huntley The church is situated to the west of the village on the northern fringe of the forest, adjacent to the entrance to a garden centre that has been designed to blend in with the locale. The woodland surrounding the church is typical of the area, with oaks, ash, birch and conifer. There are also apple and pear orchards around the village.

Ermin Way
Saturday 10th July 2004

10.00am Oaksey (6) All Saints 9cwt GF (Wilts)
11.00am Ashton Keynes (6) Holy Cross 12cwt (Wilts)
12.30pm Castle Eaton (6) S.M.V. 7cwt GF (Wilts)

Heather Banyard, Ron Burgess, Andrew Dunn, Janice Knowles, Jonathan Beale, Bob Benstead, Roy Jones, Peter Lloyd, Jane Burgess, Hugh Deam, Susan King, Bernard Masterman.

The picturesque Cotswold Water Park comprises a large patchwork of lagoons that came about as a result of extensive gravel workings. These lime-rich lakes play host to some endangered species, such as water-rails, grasshopper-warblers and garganey. Oaksey A long village a few miles to the north of Malmesbury, the village is sited just to the south of Akeman Street. This primarily Norman church has recently been restored. The church set a high standard for its photogenic appearance and the quality of its bells. Ashton Keynes is built around the fledgling River Thames to such a degree that there are half a dozen bridges within its confines. The village is noted for its rows of honeyed stone cottages. The pretty church clearly evidences that it has been added to more than once. The churchyard to the rear is very diligently kept and offers the most photogenic view of the church. The bells are an august ring of six. Castle Eaton The village is situated on the route of the Thames Path, with the emergent River Thames running close to the rear of the somewhat unique C12 parish church. We had a spot of trouble obtaining the key, but the bells proved well worth the wait, as they made it three in a row of superb bells that morning. The Red Lion, Castle Eaton. The infant reed-filled River Thames can be seen running past the beer garden at this picturesque pub that had recently extended and refurbished its function room. Necessity in having to rush back to ring for weddings meant that only a couple of the group were able to stop for lunch, but from those who were able to stay on it garnered good reports.

Training Morning
Saturday 19th June 2004

9.45am Sunningwell (6) St Leonard 8cwt
11.45am Northmoor (6) St Denys 11cwt
1.00pm Lunch - The Red Lion, Northmoor

Jane Burgess, Simon Edwards, Janice Knowles, Brenda Thomas, Victoria Davey-Wilson, Anthony Hughes, Peter Lloyd, Brian Thomas, Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Bernard Masterman, Andrew Dunn, Steve Jeffery, Sue Reynolds.

Sunningwell The church is a mixture of Decorated and Perpendicular periods which originally belonged to Abingdon Abbey. A restful village pond across the road from the church plays host to a variety of birdlife. Northmoor The interior of St Denys, Northmoor is immensely impressive and is a must to experience on a sunny day as it diffuses light so well. The C14 nave and C15 tower remain virtually unaltered from their conception.

The Chilterns, Buckinghamshire
Saturday 8th May 2004

10.00am Great Kimble (6) St Nicholas 10cwt
11.15am Wendover (6) St Mary 14cwt
12.30pm Monks Risborough (6) St Dunstan 13cwt
1.30pm Lunch – The Lions of Bledlow, Bledlow

Heather Banyard, Andrew Dunn, Susan King, Sue Reynolds, Bob Benstead, Simon Edwards, Janice Knowles, June Steele, Steve Davies, Steve Jeffery, Peter Lloyd, Leon Thompson, Hugh Deam, Roy Jones, Bernard Masterman, Richard Verrall, Serge Zvegintzov.

Great Kimble This was one of the earliest sites to be settled in the district. The village is sited on the path of the Icknield Way. Behind the distinctive C13 church are two ponds and some mounding which are the only clues to the moat that used to surround the church. Oliver Cromwell’s cousin, John Hampton chose Kimble as the meeting place for the rally against “Ship Money” introduced by King Charles I. His imprisonment for two years ignited the Civil War. He was killed early on in the conflict at Chalgrove, but his son Richard later went on to serve as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Wendover The church of St.Mary is C14, but was extensively restored in 1869. Wendover lies in a gap amidst the Chilterns, which rise to over 800 feet around the town. The bells are a memorable ring of six. Monks Risborough This is the oldest documented parish in the country 903AD. In the Domesday Book there is no distinction made between the two Risborough’s. Then known as Risberge or Hrisanbyrge – a hill where brushwood grows – a monastery was established here Aeschwyn, Bishop of Dorchester, which accounts for the Monks prefix. The medieval church is situated behind a clutch of cottages, and in 1988 a new window was as added featuring the figure of St Dunstan. The bells are a pleasing ring of six. The Lions of Bledlow, Bledlow. A very well known pub in the shadow of the Chiltern Hills at their height. Very much used to catering for groups of diners, it has various dining areas. Recommended.

Wylye Valley
Saturday 20th March 2004

10.30am Warminster (8) St Denys 24cwt
11.45am Corsley (6) St Margaret of Antioch 12cwt
12.45pm Sutton Veny (6) St John the Evangelist 8cwt
1.45pm Lunch – Prince Leopold, Upton Lovell
2.45pm Codford St Peter (6) 10cwt
3.45pm Wylye (6) St Mary 9cwt GF

Heather Banyard, Steve Davies, Roy Jones, Peter Lloyd, Jonathan Beale, Hugh Deam, Susan King, Bernard Masterman, Bob Benstead, Keith Godfrey, Janice Knowles, Hilary Nex, Jane Burgess, Anthony Hughes, Katie Lane, Sue Reynolds, Ron Burgess, Steve Jeffery, David Lane, June Steele, Hillary Stevens.

Warminster The town was an important wool and corn trading centre, and a major stop on a busy coaching route. The church is on the western edge of the town, and the peal of eight bells are sublime, with the added bonus of a marvellous view across Wiltshire countryside from the balcony outside of the ringing room. Corsley This primarily C13 church originated as the chapel of the Manor of Corsley. The village was long in the parish of Warminster, but later acquired parish status of its own. The bells are a pleasant ring of six, and a comfortable anteroom has been created adjoining the ringing room. Sutton Veny The present church in Sutton Veny was built in 1868 on high ground to replace the original church of St.Leonard which was sited on low damp ground. The remains of that church are still visible on the outskirts of the village. The village is situated on the chalk uplands and is surrounded by Iron Age forts, Moothill Leg, Middle Hill, Cothay Hill, Battlesbury Hill and Scratchbury Hill. The bells are not regularly rung of late, and pose an interesting challenge. The Prince Leopold Inn, Upton Lovell has a ranch-style restaurant to the rear that looks out directly onto the River Wylye. Probably the most picturesque lunch spot yet encountered. Recommended. The River Wylye wends its way through several villages in the area, and is tended by a dedicated group of water-bailiffs along its length. It is one of the very best maintained rivers in the country, with its regulated flow resulting in it playing host to a clutch of conservation areas. Codford St Peter Originally called Coddun Ford – a fording place of Codda – the village has had a settlement here for over 1000 years. It was long a place where most inhabitants were employed by the wool trade. Saxon in origin, St Peter’s church sits to the west of the village in the shadow of Malmpit Hill. It underwent a rebuild in C19. St Mary’s church is situated at the eastern extreme of the conjoined villages. The bells at St.Peter’s are a pleasant ting of six. Wylye Wylye Down to the south and Little Down to the north allow the village and its truly exquisite church to nestle in the valley between. This ground floor ring of six bells was unquestionably worth the visit.

The Cotwolds
Saturday 7th February 2004

10.00am Burford (8) St John 17cwt
11.15am Ascott under Wychwood (6) Holy Trinity 7cwt
12.15pm Chadlington (6) St Nicholas 11cwt
1.30pm Lunch - The Swan, Ascott under Wychwood

Heather Banyard, Andrew Dunn, Steve Jeffery, Paul Lucas, Jonathan Beale, Simon Edwards, Roy Jones, Bernard Masterman, Bob Benstead, Keith Godfrey, Susan King, Sue Reynolds, Robert Chadburn, Nick Hartley, Janice Knowles, June Steele, Hugh Deam, Anthony Hughes, Peter Lloyd, Richard Verrall, Serge Zvegintzov.

Burford Often described as the "Gateway to the Cotswolds" this fine market town sits on the River Windrush and was a town of some significance in centuries gone by, boasting as it did visits from monarchs such as Elizabeth I, Charles II and William III. The town figured strongly during the Civil War. The wide main street leads to a medieval bridge that spans the Windrush to the north of the town. To the south of the town The Cotswold Wildlife Park attracts thousands of visitors every year with its large and varied collection of animals and birds in spacious grassed surroundings. The chief glory of Burford is its church with its Norman tower and magnificent spire that dominates the skyline. Ascott under Wychwood A transitional Norman church c.1200, the upper tower being added C15, it underwent a considerable amount of restoration between 1857 & 59. The churchyard provides a spectacular burst of colour in early Spring as a sea of crocuses swathe the path to the church. The pleasing set of six bells are rung from the ground floor. Chadlington Mentioned in the Domesday Book of 2086 as "Ceadla’s Farm" the village of Chadlington is situated on the western edge of Wychwood Forest, and is made up of a series of hamlets, hence the proliferation of road names such as Eastend, Westend, Brookend, Greenend, Millend,etc. The Swan, Ascott under Wychwood. Quiet, quintessential country pub that, unlike many in the region, has not wholly gone down the route of devoting itself to the food side of business, thus it rated well in the value for money aspect compared to other very pricey pubs reconnoitred in nearby villages.