Fourteen members of the Wimborne Minster Band arrived bright and early last Saturday morning to man the tower tours for the Minster Fair. Some forty or so visitors to the ringing chamber were given illuminating talks about the history of bells in Wimborne Minster, tales of falling spires, explanations of change-ringing, demonstrations of tower-bell ringing (including a projected view of the bells turning from the camera above in the belfry), and a chance to try out plain hunting on six on handbells. Especial appreciation is due to those three intrepid ladies who braved the sudden downpour outside mid-morning whilst selling tickets for the tours to the sodden public. An extra feature this year was the original portrait of the ringers who died during the Great War, grandly displayed below the tower entrance in the Baptistry. Upstairs, members of Wimborne X and Wimborne Y took the opportunity to practise their touches for the………..
East Dorset Branch Six-Bell Striking Competition later that afternoon at Spetisbury.
120 Grandsire Doubles was the chosen test piece for both bands who had practised for the competition over the past two weeks. Spetisbury bells proved something of a challenge – 17cwt in weight, with springy ropes and a dropping third (and not easy to strike), most bands had to work hard to find a decent pace and consistent striking.
Bands from Blandford, Hampreston and Lytchett Matravers joined the two Wimborne teams in the main competition. Wimborne X retained the trophy with Wimborne Y coming a close second place, so that both Wimborne teams will go forward to the Guild Six-Bell Competition in September.
Bands rang as follows: Wimborne X: Rosemary Duke 1, Hilary Child 2, Flick Warwick 3, Ben Duke 4, David Warwick (C) 5, Robert Child 6.
Wimborne Y: Max Knight 1, Susan Riley 2, Trish Hitchins 3, Alan Bentley 4, John Riley (C) 5, David Coates 6.
Additionally, John Riley won the Haiku competition, and Trish, John and Susan won one of the quizzes.
Wimborne Minster Bell Ringers 