On Monday the 19th of December, the Leicestershire Young Ringers along with some of the Derbyshire Young Ringers joined the Coventry Spires for their outing to Leamington Spa.

First off was St Mary Magdalene, Lillington (which took a little finding with me navigating two cars to the destination!). Upon arrival we were presented with a nice, 9cwt, 8, then followed by St Margaret, Whitnash which Lewis and I ran up to whilst Sally parked the car.

Then we were onto Leamington itself for the well renounced, Roman Catholic, St Peter’s with its swaying tower. This was an experience for us all as the bells were quite challenging but everybody managed very well and we got to hear the glorious sound they produced. We were gathering a band for Bristol Major but before we could get there, a rope broke! Luckily by that point, everyone that wanted to had already rung.

The final tower was a short walk away to All Saints, Leamington with their lovely 12cwt, 8. By that point everyone was very tired so we grabbed some lunch before the journey home. We wandered back through the park, crossing the bridge where we could see the church sitting beautifully across the river.

Overall, it was an amazing day and it was really nice, not only to experience new towers, but also to meet new people and make friends with other like-minded ringers. Thanks go to Annie Hall and the Coventry Spires for organising such a wonderful day!

Eliza Lewis-Skeath