Autumn Tour 2008 - Tewkesbury, 24-26th October

Upon arriving in Ashleworth, Gloucestershire on Friday evening, I asked a man on the side of the road if he knew where the ringers were. “The large group of loud people?” he replied, “follow the road, they’re in the pub.” Sure enough, when I arrived at the pub it was full to bursting and we had already drunk the locals out of their favorite beer!

What followed was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of ringing, with a staggering turn-out: at one point our numbers were around 40! (Unsure of number).

Travelling through the green fields of Gloucestershire brought us to many towers, with a nice number of rings of both 6 and 8. Of particular interest were the churches of St. Mary, Prestbury which had a beautiful ring of 8 and St. Mary, Deerhurst, a remarkable Saxon church where the ringing chamber is split between two rooms and also within the village was situated Odda’s Chapel, also from the Saxon period.

Saturday evening saw the catering officers cook up a storm for a staggering number of members who chose to eat in the hall. After the meal, many people found their way to the local pubs with a small splinter group choosing to stay in the hall and sleep (or play poker).

Sunday morning came, we were fed and then MOST of the group sampled the delights of Tewkesbury Cathedral. A certain member of the group (who shall remain anonymous) was left behind. Those involved are to this day pleading it was accidental! After morning ringing, tea was consumed at the hall while tidying focus and an impromptu game of badminton (utilising a guitar and the Burco lid as rackets) was played! The majority of the group then made their way to a recommended pub for (the what has now become traditional farewell) Sunday lunch!

As ever our thanks must go to Master Jeanette who travelled over for Saturday’s meeting despite having just 7 days to finalise arrangements for her Wedding. The catering officers, their helpers and Social Secretary Daniel Knight should of course share our gratitude!

- Rhodri Thomas