A blue, cloudless sky, bright sunshine, and a very heavy frost greeted a dozen or so ringers from the Harborough District who congregated at Cottingham (Northants) for the start of a Christmas mini-outing. Coming out of Covid restrictions, we were really happy to have had the chance to hold a District outing earlier in the year, only for plans to be scuppered by the sad passing of the Queen two days before the outing. It has also been a couple of years since we have had a Christmas get-together due to Covid, so the idea of getting together a couple of weeks before Christmas, to have a mini-outing just over the border into Northamptonshire and a nice pub lunch was very attractive. Christmas jumpers and hats were encouraged, and a ‘name the reindeer’ competition provided a fund-raising opportunity.

The first tower, Cottingham (5, 11 cwt) provided an early challenge, but some nice ringing was appreciated by the parishioners who were decorating the church.

Then on to the delightful six (7 cwt) at Wilbarston, rehung and augmented in 2018, where we achieved the best ringing of the day. Although still bright and sunny, it was still extremely cold, so the warmth of the George in Ashley for an excellent lunch was very welcome.

Warmed, fed and ’watered’, we crossed the road to the pleasant little five (7 cwt), then finally the short hop along the road to Weston-by-Welland, another pleasant little five (5 cwt) – although we were left wondering if the ringers were consulted when the ringing chamber was moved upstairs!!

All-in-all a most enjoyable, if cold, day out. Thanks to Steve and Fiona for organising the day, and to incumbents and local ringers for welcoming us to their towers.

Andrew Young