January 2002

The Meeting Night Special Practice was an unusual affair, starting at 5.15 with Stedman Triples for a Carol Service at Sepulchre, an hour's break whilst the Service took place and then back again at 7.00 for an extended touch of Ariel. The moral of the story is that we would have been better off sticking to Stedman, the Ariel being spoilt by trips.

The Meeting itself was in a different venue because the Counting House is unable to accommodate us in December. We went to Davy's in Creed Lane where the room is not ideal, being a funny shape for a business meeting. Still, it will probably do once a year. In the City during December there are not exactly a lot of rooms available.

Proceedings were fairly uneventful apart from a discussion as to whether we should restore a former Rule governing bad behaviour by Members. There was a majority in favour of such a Rule but general agreement that the old wording is probably no longer appropriate. With the help of one or two Members I am working on an alternative to table at the next Meeting.

David Hilling confirmed at the Meeting that the Oranges and Lemons Christmas Card project had turned in a profit for the Bell Funds of the Society and the Cumberlands.

On 19th December the annual London Ringers Party was organised by the Cumberlands. I could not make it myself but those who did go seem to have had a good time.

That over and it was down to the usual Christmas celebrations including plenty of ringing. In the City we rang as normal at St Paul's on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and at midnight on New Year's Eve (surprisingly good this year, bearing in mind the hour and the proximity of the Cockpit). We managed some good Stedman Cinques at Cripplegate on Christmas Day and, despite the clash with many people's Christmas Lunch, we also rang at Cornhill.

31st December was a significant birthday for one of our most distinguished Members, Michael Moreton. A peal of 5070 was rung at Cornhill in celebration.

I am just back from my first ringing engagement of the year - a peal of Stedman Cinques at St Paul's. Back to work tomorrow and the January Meeting next week.

Good ringing,

Phil Rogers.

February 2002

The pattern of ringing at the various churches varies sharply. At Bow there are no Sunday services but weekday services are frequent and well attended. Ringing is carried out by a band drawn from College Youths and other ringers who work in London. At Cornhill we ring every Sunday at 12.00 noon after the main service plus occasionally on weekday lunch times. Cripplegate has weekly services on Sunday mornings and afternoons. The morning service is the main event but ringing is not practical because the time clashes with several other churches and we just do not have enough ringers to go around. We have recently started ringing once a month for Evensong. St Sepulchre only has one Choral Evensong a month, which we now ring for. Jewry has rare services but we ring for them when we can.

Very little maintenance has been necessary at the towers this year but it looks as if some work will be needed at both St Sepulchre and Cornhill over the next 12 months.

Looking ahead to this month, Meeting night on 12th February sees the annual remembrance of the Reverend F Llewellyn Edwards, who left a sum of money to the Society for the purpose. The remembrance takes the form of a memorial touch at the Practice plus a toast afterwards. At one time interest on the bequest used to pay for a pint each but in recent years falling interest rates and rising beer prices have reduced the amount of beer which can be bought. Two years ago the then Junior Steward (now Master), Chris Pickford, launched an appeal to top up the fund and it now looks much more healthy. Even so, however, it will probably not buy a pint each if we have an average Meeting Night attendance of 50+ people.

February 6th is the 50th Anniversary of the Queen's Accession. A peal is to be attempted at St Paul's for the occasion and no doubt in other places.

Finally, advance notice that the annual Informal Dinner will be held this year on Friday 19th April at Davys, Creed Lane. This is situated on the south side of St Paul's Cathedral. Tickets, which are limited to 70, will be on sale soon at a price of £24.

Good ringing,

Phil Rogers.

March 2002

The Meeting saw the nomination of Tower Officials for next year. All were nominated for re-election with the exception of Colin Newman who is standing down as Secretary at St Giles, Cripplegate. My wife Gwen Rogers has been nominated to succeed Colin.

Not a Society event as such but on Saturday I was at the March 4th Dinner at Appleton. As always, there was a large turnout by Members. During the course of the evening we drank a toast to the two Frank Whites, both of whom celebrated 50 years' Membership of the Society last year.

Finally, a reminder that the Informal Dinner will be on Friday 19th April at Davys, Creed. Ticket are now on sale at a price of £24.

Good ringing,

Phil Rogers.

April 2002

On March 14th the Officers held a dinner in honour of the Immediate Past Master, Paul Carless. It is hoped that this may be the start of a tradition. We went to the Gay Hussar Restaurant in Greek Street and had a tremendous time. The food was excellent and the wine flowed. The Librarian, Jim Phillips, discovered a Hungarian liqueur which looked and tasted like tar but which had a kick like a mule. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves and, with hindsight, it was noticeable that our Trustee, Rodney Meadows was on great form.

It came as a huge shock, therefore, to receive a call a few days later from Chris Rogers informing me that Rodney had died. At first it was thought that he had died at home on 14th but as he did not leave us until about 11.30pm this was clearly not the case. Subsequent investigations suggest that he must have gone home that evening, sat in his chair an died quietly. He will be sadly missed in a number of fields as well as ringing.

It is planned that Rodney's funeral will be held on 10th April at Harrow-on-the-Hill. It is also intended that he will lie overnight in Westminster Abbey on the evening of 9th April. At the time of writing it is not totally sure that this will happen because of another death. [We have now heard that these plans are unaltered - WebMaster]

Last Saturday it was announced that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother had died quietly at the age of 101. The Queen Mother was Patron of the Friends of St Paul's and had particularly close links with the Cathedral. Many of the ringers had met her and her annual birthday peal on 4th August was a notable event in the ringing calendar. Jim Phillips received national TV coverage tolling the State Bell (Great Tom) at lunchtime on 31 March. The Queen Mother's funeral will take place at 11.30am on Tuesday 9th April when the Abbey ringers will no doubt be on duty.

Another death, that of Ranald Clouston, also took place in the last month. Ranald was well known in ringing as a technical adviser to many dioceses. Many of us got to know him during our trip to Canada when, despite his age, he took a full and enthusiastic part in the proceedings.

One final piece of news, the Informal Dinner on 19th April has sold out. A disappointment for a handful of people who failed to secure tickets but a sign of how strong the Society is becoming.

Good ringing,

Phil Rogers.

May 2002

June 2002

I mentioned in the March report the death of Rodney Meadows. The Queen Mother had also just died. The Society marked both events suitably. 8 peals were rung in memory of the Queen Mother, including Stedman Caters by the Westminster Abbey Company immediately after the funeral. The ringing got good coverage on the TV. The standard of striking was excellent, a credit both to the Company and the Society.

In the same evening Rodney's body was taken into the Abbey in a short and moving service, following which the bells were in action again for a half muffled quarter. I was honoured to be asked to ring in the latter. At the Meeting which followed fitting tribute was paid to Rodney and there have been written obituaries in the Ringing World and the Society Newsletter.

Talking of the Newsletter, it duly went out at the end of April. I hope everyone has received it but if not please let me know. Many thanks to those Members who have sent donations towards the costs of the Newsletter. One or two people have sent £50, which is exceptionally generous, but any amount is welcome.

The Informal Dinner was held later than usual this year, on April 19th. Tickets sold out at early stage and getting everyone into the room at the wine bar was a bit of a squash. We have been debating informally whether to look for a bigger venue next year. One or two people have argued that we should but the majority seems to be against it. No venue is absolutely perfect in terms of location, quality and value for money but Creed Lane gives us most of what we want at a sensible price. I think the likelihood is that we will stay with it, at least for now.

Tickets for both the Anniversary and Country Meeting Dinners are selling like hot cakes. We are not in any serious danger of selling out either at present but it could happen eventually. Deferral of ticket purchase until the last minute is not recommended.

After 5 obituaries in April we had hoped to have none in May. However, it was not to be and we remembered 5 more people: Gordon Halls, Ivor Goulter, Cyril Crossthwaite and Stanley Ryles who all died recently, plus Trevor Tarbatt who died last year. All were distinguished ringers with an average period of Membership of over 45 years.

On a happier note, 23 peals were reported for the previous month, a pretty good record considering that there were no big events to commemorate and no official Society ringing functions. This brings the total number of peals reported in the year to date to 83. Amazingly, this compares with 56 and 55 at the same point in 2000 and 2001, both of which were record years. At this rate we should smash the record again, although last year we were helped by a big peal tour in the second half. Rather surprisingly, there were only 2 Jubilee peals for which notice was given, at St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Hopefully, there will be more in the event.

At the end of May a peal weekend was held in Washington DC. 9 Members went over from the UK and we were joined by a good contingent of our US Members. 4 peals were rung and on the Sunday night an informal dinner was held at which 27 Members and friends were present. A good time was had by all and it augurs well for the Society's strength in the US.

This piece is being written on the day before the big Jubilee celebrations and I was intending to finish on a happy note. Sadly, I have just heard that our oldest known Member, Walter Trueman, has died at the age of 99 and 4 months. I never met Walter but I corresponded with him and he seemed tobe at least as mentally alert as a man half of his age. We were hoping to mark his 100th birthday with a special celebration but it is not to be. We will be remembering Walter at the June Meeting.

Good ringing,

Phil Rogers

July 2002

The weekend of 13th June saw Simon Linford's band at St. Thomas, Oxford ringing 15,008 Spliced Surprise Major, all the work. This was a great achievement. Many congratulations to them.

The following week saw us at Winchester for the National 12 Bell Striking Contest. This was hardly a triumph for the Society, with our band being placed 8th. This was a great disappointment for us but we have to admit that the result was fair. These days the competition is stiff and you have to slot into a very high standard immediately if you are to have a chance to win. On this occasion we did not achieve the required standard. Congratulations to the York band who were worthy winners.

The highlight of the next month should be the Country Meeting at Worcester. Tickets for the dinner on Saturday night are selling fast. I will let you know how it goes next month.

Good Ringing,

Phil Rogers

August 2002

On 23rd of the month the Society held its annual Out of Town Practice at South Croydon. Whilst not exactly in the depths of the countryside the venue provided a change of scene and the opportunity to ring on a new 12. I was unable to attend because of business commitments but those who went seem to have enjoyed themselves. There were about 25 people present, including a good contingent from South London. The bells made a good impression, although as they have not all been rehung there was a view that some are a lot more difficult to ring than others. Our thanks to Michael Moreton for making us so welcome and congratulations to him for bringing the augmentation to a successful conclusion.

The following weekend was the Society's Country Meeting in Worcester, the consensus being that this was a highly successful event. Matters got under well during the previous week with a peal tour organised by the Senior Steward, Dickon Love. After a disappointing start 5 peals out of 9 attempted were scored. A number of Members walked from Oxford to London, including Chris Kippin who last year walked from London to Oxford. An innovation was a Society Golf Day on Friday 26th. Congratulations to Tony Daw who won both the morning and afternoon contests.

On Saturday 27th ringing took place at Evesham, All Saints Worcester and the Cathedral. Evesham was a bit tentative to start with but good ringing was eventually produced. All Saints and the Cathedral also produced high quality striking, particularly pleasing at the Cathedral which are notoriously challenging.

The Business Meeting and dinner were both held at Worcester County Cricket Club, a magnificent venue on a fine day. 92 tickets were sold for the dinner, a very pleasing number especially as some regulars had to miss it. An enjoyable meal was followed by the usual socialising which culminated in a sing song on the balcony around midnight. Fortunately the Cricket Club has no close neighbours.

August looks like being a quiet month with the Society's activities picking up again in September with Peal Weekend (20 to 22 of the month).

Good Ringing,

Phil Rogers

September 2002

20 to 22 September is Socety Peal Weekend. Members are encouraged to ring as many peals as possible over the weekend.

Secondly, tickets for the Anniversary Dinner on 2nd November are selling well. No 200 has just gone and, with a hall capacity of 250, a sell out is looking a disctinct possibility. Book early to avoid disappointment.

I will give a further update next month.

Good Ringing,

Phil Rogers

October 2002

This year, the Dinner seems closer than ever because tickets have sold out and, for me, most of the work is now over. Just the seating plan to do and for once I can do it at my leisure. The final tally for the event is 255 and we are now totally full. There is a waiting list of 10 people and further sales can only be against cancellations.

An excellent result in this year’s Peal Weekend. Of 25 attempts we are aware of 20 were scored, 3 lost (including one broken rope), 1 not started and 1 rung for another Society (last minute drop out presumably). Well done to everyone concerned.

Good Ringing,

Phil Rogers

November 2002

As previously reported, the Dinner sold out in early September. The final attendance was 254 (I think there was only one empty chair on the night). Based on the original tickets sold, we had 204 Members, 9 official Society guests and 42 Members' guests. This was the best overall attendance, and the most Members present, at a Dinner since the 350th anniversary in 1987.

The general view seems to be that the weekend was a success. 12 peals plus a quarter peal at St. Paul's Cathedral were scored. We had a good turnout both at Friday night and Saturday lunch time drinking. The proceedings at the Hall itself went well with good food, entertaining speakers, and anenjoyable range of wines and beers. The usual "rogues gallery" will no doubt be appearing on the Web Site and Stephanie Warboys will be doing a write-up for the Ringing World.

More good news came out at the October Meeting, when it was announced that we had already beaten last year's peal total, which was itself a record. With a bit of luck (and the haul of peals rung over Dinner weekend will have helped) we could pass 200 peals in a Master's year for the first time ever.

The "changing of the guard" takes place on Tuesday 15th when we elect our Officers for 2002/3. Dickon Love has been nominated as Master, Colin Newman as Senior Steward and Simon Linford as Junior Steward. As Simon has already done one stint as Junior and Senior Steward we are in the fortunate position of having 3 ringing officers who all have a successful record in office. The other Officers have been nominated for re-election.

Members might like to note that we are planning a London Ringers' Social at Davy's Wine Bar, Creed Lane (close to St Paul's) on Wednesday 18th December. There is a Cumberlands practice that night so anyone desperate to do a bit of ringing before the party can do so.

Good Ringing,

Phil Rogers

December 2002

Chris had an excellent year of office with just about everything being a success. It was a shame about the 12 bell at Winchester but that was one disappointment in an otherwise wholly successful run. On the Friday after the Election Meeting the current Officers and those who had served with Chris entertained him to dinner at the Gay Hussar Restaurant in Greek Street. It is a tribute to Chris that he managed to turn in Southwark tenor the following day.

Dickon already has a distinguished history both as Steward and Web Master. The fact that you are reading this piece confirms that you are aware of Dickon's outstanding contribution. I am sure that we are in for another good year.

At the November Meeting the Treasurer confirmed that we did achieve 200 peals for the first time in Chris' year of office. The exact number has not yet been finalised but it gives us another challenge to go for in 2003.

Talking of peals, a Society band achieved a quite outstanding feat by ringing 25,560 London S Royal on handbells. For those who (like me) are not that good at maths that is 71 courses and is the longest peal ever rung on more than 8 bells. How people ring anything on handbells is a mystery to me. Any sort of long length is an achievement but when ringing tower bells at least you can scratch your nose. John Hughes-D'Aeth tells me that this is possible whilst ringing a handbell. Perhaps he could be persuaded to demonstrate the technique at next year's Dinner.

A feature of recent years has been a London Ringers' Christmas Social. This year's event will be on Wednesday 18 December at Davy's Creed Lane. All ringers and friends are very welcome.

Christmas and the New Year can disrupt the practice schedule. This year we will not be holding a Practice on Christmas Eve but we have decided to go ahead with a practice on New Year's Eve. Please come if you can.

Finally, could I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Phil Rogers