Peal Weekend 2017

This year, ULSCR peal weekend took place on the weekend of the 10th-12th February. Three peals were organised, one for each day, as there wasn’t strong demand for *too much* bellringing. I agreed with the chosen conductors that they would choose the methods for their peals, so they would feel comfortable!

The Friday evening was to be 7 surprise minor, at St Katherine Cree, conducted by Martin Cansdale. I hear the ringing from this was good, until ‘Cunecaster’ was called…. The description of the death of this attempt, as described by Martin is as follows: ‘Misheard change of method, people ringing the wrong overwork, general chaos!’. This allowed a little more pub time for the band.

Saturday morning saw 10 members of the UL gather at St Dunstans in the West for a peal of Grandsire Caters, of which Andrew Hills would be conducting. The method was chosen to mark the 300th anniversary of the first 10 bell peal of Grandsire Caters, which was rung just down the road in the, now silent, tower of St Bride’s, Fleet Street. I heard several reports following the peal that it was of excellent quality, so many congratulations to those that rang! After this, a few members gathered in a pub, but a lengthy pub session was not to be, and most people left early in the afternoon.

At lunchtime on the Sunday, we held an EGM in the ringing room at st Magnus the Martyr (London Bridge), where we voted on very important things. We also rang a respectable touch of stedman Caters, and some nice rounds and call changes.

Sunday afternoon’s efforts were an attempt of 5 spliced major, at our home (Hart Street), conducted by Rosemary. According to the band, lots of little things happened at once, putting it beyond the point of no return.

I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who rang in these peals, and an even bigger thank you to the conductors! I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend.

By Jemma Mills