2010 London Twelve Bell Competition

Always the Bridesmaid?

The London 12 bell competition is fast becoming a 'must attend' function, although it is only in its second year. It is competently organised, slickly executed and professionally judged, and is proving to be a testing ground for all groups of ringers who ring together in the London area. Its slightly more lenient rules mean that ringers can ring for more than one team (but a maximum of two) and the general ambience is 'relax - let's show what we can do but we're not going to stress about it'.

The Cumberlands rang third - a highly sought-after position in the proceedings! This means there is time to chill and listen to the opening teams, but not too long to wait before hitting the pub. The UL and Southwark would have paid good money for our slot!

We had a mixed team, comprising some who ring in the National 12 bell, some who rang in the London competition last year and some who have not represented the Cumberlands before. This is partly why this competition is thriving and healthy - it does give a wider chance to aspiring ringers in a spirit of friendly rivalry.

The band stood as follows:
1 Jo Dorling
2 Shirley McGill
3 Penny Sharpe
4 Ed Mack
5 Mary Holden
6 Ben Constant
7 Barry Mack
8 Adam Greenley
9 Peter Harrison (C)
10 Ian Mills
11 Doug Beaumont
12 Olly Cross

The competition piece was 255 Stedman Cinques, with the first 11 sixes unmarked. We rang steadily and with purpose, and the judges pronounced our piece "very nice to listen to". They nearly always say that about our ringing - very nice, but not quite accurate enough - but at least we know what we have to do to win next time. We can't keep coming second!

Full results

Held at: St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside on Saturday October 30^th 2010.

255 Stedman Cinques

Judges: Rick Shallcross and Tom Griffiths

Shirley McGill