July Country Meeting 2004

Ledbury, Herefordshire

Beer (and don’t forget the cider) and skittles – what a lark! Which is harder - counting your dodges with 40 all stars lining the ringing room walls or bowling straight at the pins to the accompaniment of a chorus of cockney catcalls? The loudest cheers were for Derek Sibson’s duck, while boos and hisses greeted Bernard Taylor (“Bernard Taylor? How did he get in?” was heard from Glint). The prize on offer was a snog with Stephen Wheeler for the winner and two for the runner–up so the contest was a serious matter. Couldn’t stay up all night though, had to be up early to ring at St Peter’s Bromyard. To get there one passed through Barley Gate – presumably another preserve of St Peter? Everywhere we were made welcome, the ringing was to dream of, can’t wait for next year and hope it’s as good as Herefordshire.

How did Bernard Taylor get in? Well he probably heard that the Cumberlands know how to enjoy themselves and living locally (and providing accommodation for some of the attendees), it probably seemed like a good opportunity to see for himself! The July country meeting has grown into a significant event in the calendar and this year was no different. The welcome, organisation, weather and scenery were all excellent. Jane Mason and her helpers laid on a ringers tea that will go down in history. Some members spread their wings by visiting a local vineyard and a special practice held on the Thursday night at Ledbury was well attended. These events do not happen without a lot of hard work by the organisers and our thanks go to Geoff Brewin and all the other people involved – you did us proud!

Julia Lysaght

View photos from this event in our gallery.

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No peals have been rung for the Society July Country Meeting.