Firstly, as no doubt the majority of you will already know, our Sussex Young Ringers came equal second in the Ringing World National Youth Contest held in London early July. There were 24 teams entered this year including our two from Sussex; the method band ringing Grandsire Triples – Sussex Young Ringers, and the call change band – Young Sussex Ringers. Many, many thanks to all those who took part, and to Anne Franklin and Sandra Alford for keeping the teams together whilst visiting many other open towers in London, and for organising the practices beforehand. Thanks also go to the supporters, who appeared to be the picnic carriers.

The second striking contest was for the Essex Trophy. This is a 10 bell contest which this year was held at the lovely village of Writtle in Essex. Once again, many thanks to all those who took part, and especially to Jeremy Alford who organised the team and the practice sessions. The test piece was Grandsire Caters, but next year the test piece will be Superlative Royal No 2.

Any tower somewhere in Sussex could at any time require financial assistance from our Bell Restoration Fund. The fund is always in need of more cash, even though it may look as if we are OK at the moment. A typical low cost project could cost about £8,000, but this could easily run into the £20,000’s if the bells have to be removed. I am therefore asking all towers and Districts to do their bit and help to raise funds. Just recently, the ringers at Thakeham raised over £1,100 for the BRF by holding an evening with the Brighton Welsh Male Voice Choir. This was a very good evening, but the marvellous part was that they managed to get sponsorship for absolutely everything; so all monies raised went to the BRF. There’s a challenge – see what you can do. You never know when your tower may need assistance !!!

Another good fund raiser was when the KIPHRA hand bell ringers entertained us at Grafham. Another good evening, and this time, the cash raised went towards work required at Grafham.

Towards the end of June, I ran a Ropesight and Plain Hunting Course at Kirdford. The course had a full complement of Students, in fact I unfortunately had to say NO to a couple of people; so at the next Training meeting we shall be discussing having a similar course. Since then, Christine Baldock has run a Kaleidoscope course at Hailsham, and there is a call change course at Seaford in a couple of weeks. The final course this year will be a Bob Doubles course at Lower Beeding in December. If you would like to go, contact Steph, the Northern District Secretary.

Graham Hills