DUNCLIFFE RAMBLE

At the end of a long January we got together for our Christmas meal. After an excellent suggestion from Sylvia and Liz we met at Duncliffe Woods for a morning walk. Luckily the weather was dry and bright, so 10 people and 3 dogs set off around the woods. We had a brisk walk and enjoyed the views across the fields and amongst the trees.

Then it was down to the Kings Arms pub for lunch where we met up with Jill and Dennis, Gary and Manda and Roger and Nina. With our appetites whetted we enjoyed a good lunch with some special puddings. Thanks to everyone who came along and made this lunch and walk such good fun.

NEW YEAR'S EVE 2009

Here are the motcombe ringers welcoming in 2010. We met up for a curry meal, kindly organised and hosted by Syliva and after a good evening and plenty of games we rang in the new year. Thanks to everyone for coming along.

NEW RINGER FOR SUNDAY

On Sunday the 6th of December, Rupert joined us for a 5 minute ring at the begining of the service. Since he rang so well and was so relaxed we asked him to ring for a little longer. Very nice striking, very impressive ringing, well done Rupert.

TEAM SERVICE

On Sunday 29th November we had a team service at Shaftesbury St. Peter's, which meant that ringers from all the parishes could get together and ring together. Jill and John Hunt welcomed us to the tower and we had ringers from Motcombe, Margaret Marsh, Melbury and Shaftesbury. Dominic rang well in rounds and call-changes and we interspersed bob minor, stedman and reverse canterbury with rounds for the inexperienced. Thanks go to John and Jill Hunt for inviting us all and leading the ringing.

STEDMAN DOUBLES

Quarter peals of Stedman Doubles are few and far between so congratulations go to Carol Bracey for ringing her first quarter of Stedman on Friday, 6th November. We were ably assisted by John and Gill Hunt and Ali Yearsley (also a first in method). Hugh called the quarter which was a first for him too.
This quarter was rung half muffled for Remembrance Day.

1. Alison Yearsley
2. Carol Bracey
3. Gill Hunt
4. John Hunt
5. Hugh Walmesley White (c)
6. Jan Walmesley

First in method for 1,2 first calling 5

A CRACKING DAY OUT IN SOMERSET

On Saturday we all set off to deepest, darkest Somerset for our annual tower outing. The first tower was at Dowlish Wake, set on a rise with lovely views. These were lovely bells that we took some time to settle into, but they were very enjoyable nonetheless.

Seavington St Mary was the second tower, an atmospheric redundant church that we have passed on the old A303 for many years. It was a real pleasure to finally go inside this landmark church and ring. Here we had some help from the lady that let us in to ring some Minor.

Back to Dowlish for a pub lunch, and a chance to catch up with Gary and Manda and Laurence while enjoying our lunch.

Our third tower was very well hidden in some lovely countryside, Chaffcombe, where due to a tardy finish to lunch we needed local help to raise, then we rang his favorite method (grandsire), which went well.

Lastly we rang in Chard; we don't do a lot on eight bells so it was good to have the opportunity to try something different. A highish window to look out of and a big first step down out from the tower kept Manda amused.

The outing was a great success and well-organised by Robert. Thank you to everyone for coming along and making our Somerset sojourn so enjoyable.

GUILD QUIZ NIGHT

The Guild quiz, hosted by Robert Wellen, was held at Motcombe village hall on 29th August. Liz catered for the evening with help from Sylvia, Jill and Sheila, and we enjoyed a meal of coronation chicken, meringues and coffee in the interval. Some of the Motcombe quiz team were busy in the kitchen which left Dennis, Jill and Liz to answer the questions on the first two rounds. The rest of the team gathered together for the next few rounds until our master stroke of playing the joker on the motoring round. Dennis showed his expertise and we scored a maximum of 20 points! At the end of a fun evening we came second which is our best place yet. Well done to our quiz team!