The Society of Framland Ringers follows the recommended guidelines “for maintaining safer environment for children in the belfry” as set out by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers (CCCBR).
The Current Safeguarding Policy is available to view via Safeguarding policy revised 20190504
Attached is the balance sheet for the financial year ending 31st December 2018. Members will be able to view the detailed accounts at the Annual General Meeting on the 4th May at Wymondham.
Accounts 2018.pdf
The first Saturday of the New Year, the Society of Framland Ringers concentrated on a dedicated practice night for local ringers to have a go at ringing Plain Bob Major. We had 4 willing “learners” and 10 “helpers” participating in the event enabling us to ring courses of Bob Major with only one learner in at a time with someone standing with them for additional guidance.
Prior to the session, our designated ringing master had issued the learners with homework to familiarise themselves with the circle of work. I must admit, that I also found this extremely useful. I picked up additional signposts that I hadn’t noticed before. The homework became clear once the learners got hold of the ropes to have a go at the method surrounded by experienced major ringers complete with a mentor guiding them through the process.
Once each learner had rung, we stopped for a deserved tea break complete with biscuits and mince pies. As there was no heating in the church, we took little persuasion to return to the heated ringing room, keen to get back to ringing another plain course for each learner. Now that we were all happy with the plain courses, the learners were taken to one side for a refresher course in the bobs. While a theory session was taking place the “helpers” took the opportunity to ring Stedman Triples – grabbing the chance while they could!
Time was running short. Only two learners were brave enough to attempt a touch, the other two wanted to consolidate their learning with the plain course. We rang the touch with two learners inside at the same time, each with a mentor to guide them. Both rang confidently throughout the touch putting the theory into practice. We rang another plain course for those wishing to fully get to grips with the method, enabling us all to finish on a positive note.
All of us attending (learners and helpers) have benefitted from the dedicated practice. It enabled the less experienced ringers to master a method with more experienced ringers around them. Many of us in the “helpers” category commented on how much we enjoyed the practice. We rarely have the opportunity to ring major methods in our own towers at a weekly practice night, so events such as these are good for us too.
Where do we go from here? As it happens, the next Framland meeting is at Melton Mowbray on Saturday 2nd February and one of the methods of the month is Plain Bob Major.
Thank you to everyone involved, especially to the Ringing Master for keeping us in order. If you are interested in receiving training, either for yourself or for your tower within the Framland area, please do not hesitate to contact the society.
The 2018 Striking Competition was held at Twyford on Saturday 1st December. Most of us arrived really early for this years’ competition – shows just how keen we are! …. Only to discover, there wasn’t anyone to let us in. We waited patiently (OK, we chatted in the church porch), until it got to the point where it was obvious no-one was coming to let us in. We rang the church warden, who fortunately was close by and was able to open the church for us.
Patiently waiting to get into Twyford Church to ring
Despite the slight delay in starting, we soon sorted out the teams of ringers by drawing names out of the hat. This year we only had twelve ringers willing to take part, so we had a nice easy split of two teams of six. Each team had two minutes of practice time followed by the judged piece of 120 call changes.
Our judge Garry (assisted by his wife Sue) sat outside in their car while the two teams rang. Those of us taking part were pleased with the standard of ringing and both teams knew that the points between the teams would be close, so it was any ones guess as to which team had won.
After the judged pieces, we took the opportunity to socialise over a warm drink and a festive nibble or two. I don’t know how bell ringers have got this reputation of being hearty eaters! As much as we wanted to carry on eating and drinking, we felt that it was time to hear the results of the competition. Our judges gave their results speaking highly of both teams. Both teams were commended on their ringing. Neither team had “clashes” and so faults were gained by inconsistent leading and slight inconsistencies with the changes, but generally both teams produced very good ringing. It was felt that the 2nd team to ring did not “flow” as well as the first team to ring. The results were finally announced that the first team to ring had a total of 10 faults, and the second team to ring had 14 faults. The ringers from the winning team received the trophy and posed for the compulsory team photo for the website report.
The winning team of the 2018 Striking Competition
… and a close second
We enjoyed a few more mince pies before rounding off the night with method ringing. Despite being slightly lower on numbers than in previous years, we all had a very enjoyable evening. Our thanks go to Garry and Sue for judging for us.
The Framland will meet again on Saturday 2nd February at Melton Mowbray. Until then, the Society of Framland Ringers wishes you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Four Year Project Completed
Friday 19th October 2018 – the day of the final half muffled commemorative quarter peal. Today we are completing the four year project. During the last 4 years, the Society have successfully completed a total of 18 quarter peals, each commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of the soldiers associated with the village of Hoby. When we started this project, we were to ring 16 quarter peals, but as the research continued, it was discovered that there were 2 more soldiers who died during the war, and so we rang for these as well.
A total of 18 Framland members have taken part in this 4 year project commemorating the 18 soldiers. Some ringers rang in several of the quarters, others rang in just one. Some wanted to ring in specific quarters as it may have coincided with a certain battle that was significant for their own families.
For the final quarter peal, we had been invited to meet up in the church afterwards to round off the project before heading off to the pub for a drink. The pressure was therefore felt by those who were ringing, as we knew that everyone was arriving in the church for a set time. So, when we had to re-start after 30 minutes of ringing, we were aware of the fact that people were waiting for us downstairs and had to listen to it all over again. It was such a relief to the ringers when we successfully completed the last ring.
As we were ringing the bells down, the church warden and vicar made their way up into the ringing room to thank us for our efforts. We had a moment of silence as we remembered all of the men that we had commemorated over the last four years.
Since the last quarter, Hoby had a window repaired in the ringing room. They took the opportunity to make a frame so it could open, and have a picture of a bell in the middle of it. As it was dark, we were unable to get the full benefit, but were able to see it once we had taken a photograph with a flash. The vicar took this opportunity to dedicate the new window and to our surprise, it was dedicated to the Society of Framland Ringers for our commitment during this project. We feel very honoured by this.
Still aware of the fact that we were running behind schedule, we joined everyone else in the church to be greeted by members of the committee and ringers who have taken part in previous quarters. We were also joined by members of the church and members from the “Hoby and District Local History Society”. It is the history society that is the backbone of the commemorative events. They had researched each of the men who had died during the war. All of the events that took place throughout the village were because of their work. There have been church services, flower festivals, village tours as well as the quarter peals.
Again, we had a moment of silence remembering the fallen. The vicar, David, thanked us. As the secretary of the society I was expecting to be asked to stand up and say thank you to those involved. I had a few mental notes to thank the ringers, the committee and also the church warden for being the driving force behind the project. What came next, I was not prepared for…. I was put on the spot by the vicar. It had come to light that even though I make myself a “spare” ringer when organising quarters, I found myself ringing in the first 3 (at the last minute). As a result, I set myself a personal challenge to ring in all of the remaining quarters. This did have some issues, as I no longer had a back-up ringer just in case someone dropped out at the last minute. I also found myself rescheduling some of my holidays by a few days to be back in time to ring. So, instead of being asked to stand up and thank everyone, I was asked “how has this journey affected me”? I was not expecting that question.
….How has it affected me? There were some days when perhaps I was very tired after a long day at work, and the last thing that I wanted to do was to ring a quarter peal. Some nights it was extremely hot – too hot to ring. Other days it was far too cold. One evening we were flooded and we didn’t think we would even make it into the village because of the road closures. We may complain about these little inconveniences, but then in the back of mind I realised that 100 years ago, these men did not have an option, they just got on with it and so should I. They made the ultimate sacrifice for King and Country, so the least I can do is ring for 45 minutes in their memory. And yes, it was quite stressful in parts. We did not have the opportunity to go away and try the quarter again the following week. It was vital that a quarter was completed on the exact day of the anniversary of their death. Even though I rang in all of the quarters, it has been a team effort by the whole Society. Special thanks go to those who rang and to those who conducted the quarters. It is quite easy to get volunteers to ring, but getting conductors is another challenge.
Gifts were presented in the church followed by the compulsory group photo. By this time, we were ready for the pub. One of the best things about bell ringing is being able to socialise in the pub afterwards. It was a lovely evening and the Society would like to thank all of those from Hoby Church who made this project possible.
Members of the Society of Framland Ringers
Compulsory Group Photo – Everyone say “Ding Dong”
More details about the Hoby and District History Society can be found via: http://www.hobyanddistricthistory.co.uk/
19th October 2018 – Private William Henry Crane
Today is the last of the 18 commemorative quarter peals to be rung at Hoby. Tonight we are commemorating Private William Henry Crane. He was born in 1882, married in 1904 and had two children. The census records from 1911 states he was working as a carter for a builder. William was one of the first volunteers to sign up. The United Kingdom declared war on Germany on 4th August 1914, he enlisted on the 5th (two days before Lord Kitchener issued his first call for volunteers). Having impressed the army, William rapidly reached the rank of Corporal in the 5th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment. Unfortunately, his army career was cut short as only 4 months later (December 1914) he was honourably discharged on medical grounds. Following his discharge from the army, it was suggested that he may have worked in a recruiting office, although this has not been confirmed. At the age of 37, he died of pulmonary tuberculosis on the 19th October 1918, less than a month before the war ended.
To commemorate 100 years after William’s death, 5 Framland ringers met at Hoby to ring in the final half muffled quarter peal. The pressure to complete this quarter peal was felt by all of the ringers. Having successfully completed 17 quarter peals throughout this 4 year project, we did not want to let anyone down in this one. The plan was to ring Grandsire, Reverse Canterbury, St Martins, St. Simons, Plain Bob – all very straight forward methods, all of which we have rung before. We were ringing well and managed the transition from Grandsire into Reverse Canterbury without any issues. The transition into St. Martins did not go as smoothly as it should and the method just did not flow. We had a few stumbles that led into a trip hazard which escalated. We were not able to recover, so the command to stand was the only viable option. What is it about St. Martins that has thrown us off course in so many of these quarters? It has always been the same method that catches us out. Having already rung for nearly 30 minutes, I think most of the ringers were ready to call it a day. However, as we agreed to take on this project, we were not leaving the tower until we had completed a quarter peal. At this point we were aware of the fact that other ringers and members of the church were already assembled in the church for a little bit of “a do” afterwards. Although it was tempting to go and join them straight away, we made the decision to ring immediately but stick to Grandsire and Plain Bob only. Thankfully, this time we rang with more concentration and successfully rang the quarter. What a relief!
The calendar of meetings for 2019 is now available to view. You can use the Google calendar here and link to your own Google calendars.
Alternatively, view, download or print the pdf here Calendar 2019.
1st October 2018 – Second Lieutenant John Charles Wheatley
John Wheatley was the son of the village schoolmaster in Hoby. He was only 19 years old when he died of his wounds. John was a Corporal in the Rifles. He was then commissioned in the Sherwood Foresters and posted to the 1/5th Battalion in France in July. He was involved with the battle at Ramicourt on 3rd October 1918 which cost him his life. The area around the village of Ramicourt was part of the Hindenburg Line system of trenches. These were fortified villages with gun emplacements forming the last line of German defences on the Western Front. On 3rd October 1918, waves of allied soldiers were advancing behind an artillery barrage towards the well defended enemy. John was amongst the soldiers who lost their lives in this battle. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He is commemorated on the memorial at the Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery.
100 years later, 5 Framland ringers met at Hoby to ring in the penultimate half muffled quarter peal to commemorate Jo Wheatley. The realisation as to how long WW1 went on for was beginning to sink in as some of us have been involved with this 4 year commemorative project from the start. The soldier we were commemorating was only 19 when he died. It seems such a tragic waste of a young life.
For this quarter we decided to ring mixed doubles methods with places in 3/4, Reverse Canterbury, Winchendon Place, St. Nicholas and a final flourish of Reverse Canterbury. This is a composition that our Chairman has called for us before so we knew that it was a tried and tested method. However, I think it was one of those days where simple mistakes were being made (I was the guilty party for these), so with a few minor hic-ups the conductor put me right and we continued without any further glitches – apart from a slight distraction from the treble ringer when the rope caught her glasses. For a couple of rows of music we are all looking for the glasses on the floor so we know where not to put our feet in case we break them. Despite not being able to see properly, we continued to ring yet another successful quarter peal. A sigh of relief from all of us when the conductor calls “That’s All”. When we had finished ringing, the church warden came to thank us. We heard other voices coming up the stair case – who could it be? A couple of non-ringers had come out of the local pub and heard “a lovely noise” coming from the church. Instead of driving straight home, they sat in their car to listen to us, so when we had finished they just had to come up to see what it was all about. They watched us ring the bells down and seemed fascinated by it all. You never know, we might have encouraged someone else to take up the art of ringing.
The pressure is now on to ring in the final quarter on the 19th October. Details about the commemorative events and half muffled quarter peals can be found via http://www.hobyanddistricthistory.co.uk/commemorative-half-muffled-quarter-peals/
14th September 2018 – Major Arthur Jardine Beresford-Havelock
Five members of the Society of Framland Ringers have met at Hoby to ring in a half muffled quarter peal to commemorate the life of Major Arthur Beresford-Havelock. Little is known about Arthur. He gained the rank of Major in the North Staffordshire Regiment. He was killed in action at Baku in Azerbaijan. He was only 28 years old when he died on 14th September 1918. Arthur was mentioned in dispatches and is commemorated on the Haidar Pasha Memorial. Although Arthur never lived in Hoby, he is commemorated on the South Chancel window in All Saints Church, along with other members of the wider Beresford family who died in the First World War.
We rang, what is now a familiar composition of mixed doubles; Plain Bob, St. Martins, St. Simons followed by the final burst of Plain Bob. We achieved the quarter peal on the first attempt, with only a few stumbles moving into St. Simons from the St. Martins, but these were corrected immediately and we were back on track.
Once we had finished, we rang the bells down and were greeted by the church warden – very handy to take the compulsory group photograph for us! The vicar at Hoby also came up to the ringing room once we had finished, thanking us all for our continued efforts throughout this 4 year project.
We have commemorated the lives of 16 men associated with Hoby. The final 2 men will be commemorated in October.
Details about the future half muffled quarter peals can be found via http://www.hobyanddistricthistory.co.uk/commemorative-half-muffled-quarter-peals/
1st September 2018 – Private Sydney Graham
It is the first Saturday of the month, the Society of Framland Ringers are due to have their routine monthly ringing meeting. Tonight it is at Gaddesby, but today is also the day that we are ringing a half muffled quarter peal at Hoby in memory of Private Sydney Graham. So that we could combine both events, we held the quarter peal at an earlier time. There is always the added pressure of these quarters when we know we have a deadline in which to compete it in. We are constantly calculating in our heads how much time we have to spare if there is a false start. As it happens, we rang a successful quarter on the first attempt. We stuck to a tried and tested combination of mixed doubles; Plain Bob, St. Martins, St. Simons followed by the final burst of Plain Bob. We rang well. It felt that we had been ringing at quite a pace, however, the church warden had been recording some of the ringing from the church yard and played it back to us afterwards. We all commented on how much slower it sounded, as we all felt it had been quicker than that. Perhaps it is deceptive with the muffles on. It was a worthy quarter in memory of Sydney.
Sydney was the youngest of eight children, born in Hoby in 1896. The family lived at Lodge Farm. The 1911 census shows that Sydney was still living in Hoby working as a page boy at Brooksby Hall. He enlisted on 1st March 1916 at the age of 19. He was transferred to the 6th Battalion of Leicestershire Regiment during the Battle of the Somme. He had a broken forearm as a result of a gunshot wound in October 1916. Sydney returned to active service in February 1917. However, by the following month he was sent back to England with a chest condition. He returned to France in June and for the remainder of 1917, his regiment was involved with the battle of Polygon Wood near Ypres. By November, Sydney was suffering from trench foot and was sent back to England for treatment. He returned to France on 31st March 1918. Five months later, Sydney was involved in the actions around Bapaume resulting in his death on the 1st September 1918. It was part of the Battles of Amiens. This is considered to be the turning point of the War on the Western Front by the British Offensive where 60 miles had been advanced in 80 days. The Hindenburg line was broken and 67000 prisoners had been captured before the Armistice on 11th November 1918 which ended the war. Sydney Graham was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Details about the future half muffled quarter peals can be found via http://www.hobyanddistricthistory.co.uk/commemorative-half-muffled-quarter-peals/
