Master's Tour 2008 - Wiltshire 4th - 6th Jan 2008
I had the best intentions when I was first asked to write this report and even wrote some notes during the weekend in my diary, but it's unfortunate that I decided to procrastinate and now can’t understand them. I must apologise for my rubbish memory of what happened, especially after a few beers!
It all started with a quarter peal of Cambridge Minor at Cricklade. We were greeted by a cute cat here who wandered round the church whilst we were ringing. The quarter was interesting… Ground floor, anti-clockwise and a very long draft. Needless to say, the striking wasn’t brilliant and there was the mis-location of a few sallies!
After the quarter, we were in need of a well earned drink so went and met the others in the pub. The usual antics happened – sudoku and crosswords, beer, baileys and talk about who is the most annoying of the Parker brothers. (I think it was decided that Colin was most annoying.) If anyone can remind me why I wrote down ‘Daniel – drink and broken plate’ on the Friday night I’d be most grateful!
After a scrumptious breakfast on Saturday morning, we scored a nice quarter of Grandsire Caters at Christchurch Swindon, after which we made our way to Highworth for some people to attempt Single Oxford Bob Triples, whilst the rest of us had tea and cake in a local coffee shop.
After a tasty lunch in Swanborough, the group separated in two and some headed off to Hannington for a quarter of Plain Bob Minor, whilst the others headed to Wanborough for a quarter of Cambridge Major. The afternoon was finished off with some open ringing at Purton.
Saturday night involved more of the usual antics, a curry and, not surprisingly, beer. I also remember arriving back at the hall to a disco in the hall adjacent to the hall we were sleeping in. It was then that Iain suggested joining in.
After breakfast on Sunday morning involving lots of noise, spraying fat and ‘squeaky floorboards’, we de-iced our cars and headed off on the ice rink roads in different directions for Sunday service ringing. Some of us ended up at Latton, an anti-clockwise 5 on plain bearings. Need I say more?! Many thanks go to Daniel for organising such an enjoyable tour, and also to the caterers for the expertly cooked breakfasts.
- Becky Shipley
