When June comes around in the Hinckley District, it can only mean one thing: the annual outing! This year, we headed to five towers in Cambridgeshire.
The first stop of the day was the market town of St Neots. The beautiful sound of its 29-cwt ring of 10 bells pours from the magnificent church tower, out over the busy high street. We kicked off the day’s ringing with rounds and call changes as well as Cambridge Royal and Stedman Caters.
For anyone thinking that a heavy ring of 10 was too much like hard work, the next tower offered some light relief. Little Paxton, a few miles up the road, are just 7 cwt. We rang an array of six-bell methods from Double Oxford and London Minor to Stedman Doubles and Little Bob, as well as call changes.
After a busy morning’s ringing, it was time for lunch. Some stayed in Little Paxton to picnic in the playing fields (where a local cricket match and community fitness equipment provided plenty of entertainment). Others visited the nearby Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, its meadows and lakes a haven for birdlife – and hungry ringers. Fortunately, the weather was kind, and we enjoyed some glorious summer sunshine.
Once we’d all refuelled, we continued on to two more rings of six: Caxton (7 cwt) and Great Gransden (13 cwt). Cambridge Minor, Grandsire, Stedman, Plain Bob and a (successful) attempt at the notorious Dixon’s all featured at these two lovely towers.
The day’s ringing ended with a real treat: Eaton Socon, a 13-cwt ring of 8. In the early 1930s, after a serious fire at the church, the original bells were melted down and recast by Taylors. The result is a hugely rewarding ring of bells with a rich and mellow sound characteristic of that golden age at the foundry.
Many thanks to Neil and Alison Harvey for organising the day and to district ringing masters, Tony Rowan and Terry Astill, for catering so well for everyone’s ringing needs. Looking forward to next year!
Jen Harris
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