For the past three years I have participated in our annual, district striking competition – the first time being six months after commencing to learn to ring. Each time our tower, comprised of relatively new ringers, has entered the rounds/call changes category.

I am reminded each year what a great learning activity this proves to be, as our focus really hones in on the accuracy of our ringing and helps to identify any individual shortcomings that we might have. Mine is usually not holding my backstroke up for long enough!

During the two dedicated practices we are fortunate enough, as a team, to have the use of a ringing simulator. This, along with the ongoing guidance from a couple of more experienced ringers, provides us with invaluable feedback – both visual and auditory – to help guide and improve our ringing performance for the event.

Striking Competition Band (and dog!)

Competing can be a little nervewracking, especially leading up to it being ‘your turn’. It can also be highly rewarding, particularly when you know you have performed well – both individually and as a team. It also proves to be a fun, social gathering, as well as an opportunity to network with other local ringing towers.

Taking the cup home – third year running!

Special mention should go to another local tower – St. Barnabas, Linslade, Beds. They provided a large contingent of ringers in the striking competing, the majority of whom are young ringers and some being very new learners. Great to see this group of youngsters participating in and enjoying not only the ringing activities, but also the social side of the event too. The faces of bell ringing’s future methinks!

Gaye Soule, Ringer at St Mary’s, Eaton Bray