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Braintree Ringing Outing 20th JUNE
For
our outing this year we were joined by friends from St. Michael's
and other towers. As we assembled we were transported back to our
youth as the school bus turns up to take us on our day out
to Norfolk. Thanks to Maurice and Kath Downs [Rayne] for guiding
us along the country lanes as the school bus had no SatNav.
We
arrived at our 1st tower the 15cwt 8 at Blofield [not to be
confused with 007s adversary]. They were a good ring and a good
start to our ringing. As we left the tower our deputy master was
seen with the masters handbag. The patronage of St Andrew and St
Peter Blofield is with the Master and Fellows of Gonville and
Caius College, Cambridge. The present building is on the site of a
Norman Building and was completed during the years
1420-1440.
Then
on to Reedham, not via the ferry even our school bus was too big.
The 6 at John the Baptist are on plain bearings and although only
8cwt they are a very challenging ring, but none the less
enjoyable. The Church used to be thatched and caught fire
and had to be rebuilt and refurbished. I think we all agreed that
it has one of the finest modern stain glass windows.
It
was packed lunch time some at the church others back at the
coach.
Now
onto Saxlingham Nethergate to an 8cwt 8 this time in a very small
ringing chamber a good experience. The fourteenth century square
tower houses a one handed clock dated 1794. As we left the master
was seen at the kissing gate with the past master.
Our
arrival at Forncett St Peter was announced by posters around the
benefice of 7 Churches, and we have been invited to go back
to ring in August. The bells are a very enjoyable 13cwt 6. The church
building has so many notable features that I find it difficult to
do it justice in a few words other than if you are in the area go
and see for yourself.
Off
we go to our last tower of the day the 10cwt 6 at Long Stratton. A
nice ring better than I remember. A good end to our ringing day.
St. Mary the Virgin holds fond memory's for my wife Pat
having been born in Long Stratton, she was Christened and
Confirmed in this very historic church with a good Christian
tradition.
Now
it is Scole to quench our thirst and have a very convivial evening
meal.
During
the day we had good ringing on challenging bells and visited some
interesting churches and places. A member of the party expressed
our thanks to Debbie Hill for arranging such an enjoyable day.
And
so back on the school bus and home
Peter
Smith
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