UK22

What

UK22 is the latest in what was originally a tri-annual ringing event organised by Simon Linford for ringers based outside the UK. It has traditionally been attended by between 20 and 30 ringers. The tours are supplemented by UK ringers specifically invited to attend so that there are enough people at each tower to ring what we are aiming to ring. In particular, Dave Bassford will be running a lot of the ringing, as he has on previous tours, supported by others.

This is not a tower grab or tour in the traditional sense. It is very focused on giving participants good, progressive, and at times challenging ringing experiences. The general format is for there to be about three towers each day, often an 8, 10 and 12, and for the sessions to be around two hours long. We try to make them interesting places as well, but the main priority is bells which will be conducive to good ringing. It is a lot of ringing!

Why

The original idea came when Simon was Master of the College Youths in 2004/5, and announced in the agenda for the year that in return for all the hospitality shown by members in other countries when visited by UK tourists, the Society should organising something in return. Despite some caution that this might be a mammoth task, UK05 happened, with an intrepid 15 or so making the trip.

What was found over subsequent years, with tours UK08, UK11, UK14 and UK17, was that the tours strengthened the Society outside the UK, with this being something unique that the Society does. Through its format it provides opportunities to ring things that it’s participants do not get to do often if ever. It is also quite sociable, with at least some time to eat and drink between ringing!

When

This year’s tour is running from Saturday 20^th August through Monday 29^th August. Monday 29^th is a public holiday. The group is meeting at the Goodman's Field, Mansell Street on Friday evening, the 19^th.

Where

As with previous tours, there will be two bases. The first will be in East London, moving up to Birmingham on Thursday 25^th.

The outline programme is as follows (pretty much as was planned in 2020). Some of this is tbc:

Ringing will finish at about 5:30pm on Monday.

Recommended Hotels

Whilst you are free to stay in whatever hotels you like, if you want to be with the rest of the group I am recommending the following.

In London, either the Travelodge London Central Tower Bridge or the Premier Inn London City (Tower Hill). These are a stone's throw from each other and very handy for our London ringing. The Travelodge is the more budget option. I have stayed there a couple of time before CY dinners. There is a Wetherspoon right next to them which will probably get used a lot.

In Birmingham I suggest the same Premier Inn we have used before, which is the Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (Waterloo Street). The budget option in the city centre is the Britannia.

How

Expressions of interest should be sent to Simon Linford.

Methods

No one has to learn all of them! These are methods which we will make sure there are opportunities to ring at some point.

And on handbells: