Wimborne Minster ringers took part in the South West 12-bell competition at Truro Cathedral on Saturday 10th October. Together with several supporters, the twelve members of the band made the long trek to Cornwall several days in advance and took the opportunity of a warm-up Quarter Peal at St. Stephen’s in Brannel on the Friday afternoon.
Nine bands from Bristol St. Stephen’s, Bristol Redcliffe, Exeter, Llandaff, Trowbridge, Midsomer Norton, Chilcompton, Truro and Wimborne entered the competition which required successfully ringing a test piece of Grandsire Cinques lasting about 12 minutes. In addition to ringing the method accurately, the challenge included mastering control of the ropes and bells (which are a very long way above the ringing room) and hearing the bells distinctly. Only 10 minutes of practice is available to each band immediately before the performance which further increases the pressure. We were drawn to ring 3rd, allowing us the opportunity to hear the bells rung by two other bands and give some idea of the speed and sound of the bells. The performance went well and everyone in the team rang with confidence and conviction.
After the final band had rung, there was a brief service in the cathedral followed by the adjudication.
The judges required an extra half hour to reach their conclusions – evidence that the result was going to be very close. Wimborne came third with a score of 83% – the winning team from Bristol achieved 85%, and the 4th placed team scored 75%.
The picture below shows the Wimborne band in Truro Cathedral immediately after their ringing.
