Ringers Outing 2009

Bellringers like to go on outings to visit other towers.  Sometimes that's just to see how much nicer it is at home!

When we bid a sad farewell to that very significant family of the Enzors, we were determined not to lose touch, so when they said, "Come for an outing to our neck of the woods", we leaped at the chance.  Anthea arranged an excellent tour, starting at Brompton, near Northallerton.

Here we had a rare opportunity - to "grab" a new tower - but not necessarily to ring new bells.  This very lightweight ring of eight bells were previously hung at Denholme where several of us had rung them before.  When that church was made redundant, the bells were moved. Used, as we are, to a significantly heavy ring of bells at Skipton, this 4cwt set meant that we did not, perhaps, give of our best.

From there, it was on to Darlington St Cuthbert where the 18cwt ring was much closer to our comfort zone and we had some good ringing there. We had a fine sandwich lunch at the George and Dragon at Heighington (much to be recommended if you are in that area) before ringing the six bells of St Michael's.

And then it was off to Shildon (delicious cakes, biscuits and tea) and Staindrop before we gathered in the Enzor's lovely new house for an excellent evening meal.

It is often said that "a good time was had by all".  And often that's a good story, spoiled only by the truth.  The comments that all the ringers have made since we got back seem to show that, indeed, an excellent time was had by everyone.  We rang some lovely bells (though it has to be said, whether truthfully or not, none so lovely as ours!) and enjoyed good company.

When can we go again?