So here is Day 5, finally, with the rectification of the title. What a day it was - 4 really quite lovely towers, a cheeky 3 bell grab at Storrington, psst, the friar doorbell, service handbell and church room doorbell. We also had the 6 bell competition consisting of a sequence of jump changes and the annual Talent Show, which this year, was a brilliant laugh!
Our first stop is Shipley, a 9cwt 6 which look like they've been done up recently and refurbished. They go very well, perfectly ringable with plenty of space both in the ringing room and upstairs - frame and bells all in good condition and very well maintained. These could easily be augmented but why enhance an already good ring. A dumbbell is present, which Rachel and Andrew made good use off!
Next stop was West Grinstead, a pleasant Gillett and Johnston 6. These are hung presumably in the chancel, coupled with a long, unguided draft though handled reasonably well despite a couple of flighty trebles. They are very clear inside with a lovely twang to them and very pretty and defined to listen to outside; you may be able to hear them over the wind noise. Ringing featured is a selection of call changes, Bob Minor and Bourne.
After a lunch break in Storrington, where the whole group transformed back into a load of 5 to 10 year old children in the park, we ventured just up the road to our striking competition tower. This was a mixture of Rounds, Backgrounds and Queens. The bells themselves are a lovely, easy going, easy to ring and good all round 1978 Whitechapel 6 - nickpicking, a bit oddstruck here and there. The opening course of Bob Minor plus extracts of team pieces are featured - everyone managed to 'communicate with their bells'!
Last but not least for Friday was Henfield, preceded by a singalong on the minibus which woke us all up again! Henfield has a gorgeous vintage Taylor ring; plenty of hum, easy going and delightful to ring when pushed slightly. Outside, they sound soft and not too harsh, perfect! Ringing featured is a good touch of Stedman Triples followed by Surprise Major, turn up the volume to listen to that hum!
The evening nightlife saw the annual Talent Show take place, featuring musicals, dancing, drama, comedy and piano playing! A great laugh for us all.
Keep an eye out for the last 2 days in 1.