Easter Tour 1997 - Sheffield
I was beginning to panic as we arrived in the village of Bramley near Rotheram. It was almost 10pm and I was worried about dinking a sufficient quantity before last orders to ensure a good nights sleep. As we passed the local pub for the fifth time, in our quest for the hall, we dcided to stop and ask where it was from some WC members visible through the window. After another two trips up and down the road we located the hall and rushed back to the pub.
I slept reasonably well, despite waking up in an alien area (sleepwalking again) of the hall and tripping over everyone on my way back to bed. Friday morning dawned and I awoke early to try and get breakfast underway, unfortunately none of the catering officers had been able to attend. However, luckily some of the Aber ringers volunteered to help and soon my kitchen supervisers role was no longer required as they produced a good breakfast. We then left for reasonable ringing at the morning towers of Whiston, Beighton and Handsworth. Our carload took an interesting route to Handsworth up several narrow lanes / footpaths and passed some rather surprised looking dogwalkers!! George assured us that these lanes were marked on the map but we remained dubious. We agreed on Dore for lunch for lunch and travelled accross Sheffield to get there. There were a couple of pubs and groups took up residence in each. The bells at Dore were probably the nicest of the tour and we had some good general ringing there. The local pig farmer knew Geroge's father and came in for a chat, complete with rather dubious wellingtons on!
Norton was the last tower of the day and I had problems getting people to ring, as the local who let us in invited everyone back to his house for a cup of tea. People drifted in and out and rang in dribs and drabs, I left the secretary in charge whilst I had a cuppa myself.
After this tower there was much discussion between members as to hot to pass the early part of the evening. Some of us retired to the pub early to await late tour arrivals. Others went to a local practice and for a bite to eat. On Saturday the ringing was reasonable. There were not 9 bells at Wath as advertised on the tour sheet. We went to Wentworth for lunch, the weather was lovely and were able to sit ourside. We stayed in Wentworth for ringing which was interesting, there was a very long touch of Rhubard which I though was never going to end. After ringing I couldn't locate my car load, but after much searching there were eventually found in the pub. The next tower was Rawmarsh where the locals were recording our ringing which we found a little worrying. After ringing I agaion retrieved my carload from the pub and after stopping off at Morrison's to buy essential beer supplies we went back for the meeting.
The evening meal was provided by George and then we retired to the pub again.
On Sunday we went ringing at Rotheram and other towers before lunch and then we wended our way back home.
