Striking Competition at Ash by Wrotham

4^th March 2006

Ash was the venue for this year’s district striking competition. Four teams made the trip out into the country on a bright sunny if cold day. Margaret Funnell and Graham Cottle from Hoo came to judge the competition. They were ensconced in their car when the draw took place out of a dustpan.

Preparing for the draw

Each band took it in turns to ring while the others enjoyed the splendid tea.

After the judges had come back in and warmed up they made comments and gave out the results. They made the observation that there was some good ringing mixed in with some not so good. 2, 3 and 4 seemed to be the hardest bells to ring well.

SS Peter & Paul, Ash by Wrotham

They made the following comments about each of the bands: Team 1 – They didn’t really settle but there some good parts. Team 2 – There was a couple of big crunches and the tenor was slow on occasions. Team 3 – The tenor was a bit quick and they suffered from the speed they rang. Team 4 – Very confident. Once they sorted out 2, 3 and 4 it was very good.

And then they gave out the result:

Position	Tower	Faults	Rang
1^st	Chelsfield	22	4^th
2^nd	Eltham	53	3^rd
3^rd	Crayford	63	2^nd
4^th	Erith, Christ Church	78	1^st

Margaret Funnell and Graham Cottle present Clare Pruden with the certificate

It certainly was not unlucky for Chelsfield as they won the trophy for the 13^th time. They will now go on to represent the District in the County 6 bell competition in September in the Rochester District. Unfortunately, they will have to wait to get the trophy as last year’s winning conductor forgot that he’d won and needed to return it (click here for a reminder)! Thanks go to Gabrielle Stook and her team for providing the excellent tea.

Part of the winning bands test piece. (0.8meg, quicktime movie)

Trying to avoid putting off the competing teams who are ringing behind the screen on the left

Page last updated: 05 March 2006