Autumn Tour 2007 - Herefordshire, 26-28th October
Unfortunately at the time of writing this report a small time lapse has occurred, so I hold no responsibility for any inaccuracies.
A band of four UWASCR ringers left Aberystwyth for one of the shorter journeys and for once I wasn’t driving (hooray, thanks Eleanor). Alas, despite the short distance we managed to make an unscheduled detour somewhere near Builth Wells, so in true UWASCR tradition we circumnavigated a traffic roundabout.
On arrival we easily found the designated pub, The Buckingham, and collapsed for socialising. A vicious rumour circulated about no access available to the hall, but with Dave and Karen on hand all was smoothed over.
The hall whilst very convenient for the pub was however on a major road, used by an awful lot of HGV’s, whose noise almost drowned out the traditional vocal talents of our regular and new snorers (Dave Jones). Breakfast was prepared by Peter and Paul in their pink, frilly aprons after the organic status of the eggs had been clarified (Bob).
We managed to ring at all 3 of the scheduled morning towers and despite a lot of talking during the ringing (Jenny and Becky, tut, tut) I eventually managed my plain course of Plain Bob Major at Ledbury (lovely bells). Unfortunately, Tim was sent back to the second tower to retrieve Rona’s handbag during lunch, but we found a lovely little pub with Gail and Dave, and tucked into some hearty pub standards. The afternoon saw ringing at another 3 towers, but information becomes a little hazy following drinks at lunchtime.
Back to the hall for the meeting, where there were prelimary discussions on the 50th anniversary, a list of suitable halls for tours and next year’s autumn tour, amongst other things. Peter and Paul excelled with their 3 course meal, including garlic mushrooms, risotto and apple crumble. Things were cleared, scrapped and washed and whilst most headed off into Hereford for evening drinks, a select group stayed on in the hall for a cheesy disco (Trish & Bob).
Apparently on returning from the pub there was a rather long discussion on the merits of the Master’s posterior, I have no recollection of this?!
Sunday morning found us travelling to service ringing at the cathedral; the route to the tower from ground level was both long and interesting. Many steps, beams and bells later we headed for St Bartholomew at Holmer, a lovely little six with a timber tower.
From here we all went our separate ways, some went via the Buckingham for Sunday lunch, others raided Karen and Dave’s tea/coffee supplies.
A big thank you goes to Karen and Dave without whom the tour would have been a completely different experience.
- Sue Rainsbury
