Saturday, Jan 1st - Duty called - Frome - 1250 Yorkshire Surprise Major in 50 mins called by David Massey. This was our contribution to the Millumnium Day ringing and was quite sufficient. Did you peruse yesterdays honours list in the Telegraph? Page 20. col.6. MBE to David Edward Potter for services to Bellringing in York. That's really good! And that in spite of all we've heard! I reckon RLM and I ought to get at least a Baronethingy for what we've achieved in that area over the years. Not to mention Lord P of Petherton.

Sunday, Jan 2nd - Pig-le-Tower - 5280 Cambridge Surprise Major in 2h01 called by Brian Woodruffe. An excellent peal this which was rung both as a 21st birthday compliment to Charlotte Edmond and also a welcome to Martin & Maggie Whiteley ringing their first peals on small bells. They rang 7-8 like veterans - we were well impressed.

Monday, Jan 3rd - Robin Walker's New Year Tour - We visited - Pig-le-Tower - Nunney - Wanstrow - Lunch at The Poachers Pocket, Chelynch - Ston Easton - Jasmine Cottage - Chilcompton. Great to meet old friends like Tom Page and Beryl Norris again and new ones like Sue Turner and Rebecca Melen. No probs really except for a near lock-out at Nunney (George forgot!) and Vernon Bedford's car going sick en route (sorted). Thanks Robin, when's the Stedman 9 going to happen again ?? Also thanks to Margaret, Matthew & Charlotte for tea and biccy's and doughnuts.

Tuesday, Jan 4th - Pig-le-Tower - 5152 Grampian Surprise Major in 1h53 called by Brian Mountjoy. An excellent peal this with the Devon boys, another in the Uxbridge above series. It was very cold outside when we started so the windows and door were closed. Big Mistake. By the end of the peal the temperature inside was 21c with a distinct lack of oxygen - but we gritted our teeth and saw it through - 'cos we're big boys!

Wednesday, Jan 5th - A no-ringing day for us but we understand that there was a floor show during the peal at Mark. Something about Barrie Hendry being a sex symbol complete with red drawers. Well, some people will do anything to be the centre of attraction. Having said that apparently the peal of Yorkshire S Maximus at Petherton last Monday was supposed to be a freebie. On turning up the band were told the fee was reduced from ?10 to ?5. This caused a major wobbly with BH refusing to pay. I must say we agree with him. It seems the fees at Petherton are dreamed up on the spot. As Adrian Beck has always stated - If you know the fee up front at least you can say 'No' to the attempt. All this after receiving the best part of twelve grand from the B&WDACR. Its called integrity.

Thursday, Jan 6th - Wedmore - 5056 Plain Bob Major in hand in 2h09 called by Barrie Hendry. And Alex Hunt had a day off so took part in this attempt. We got MELC off the trebles but not TC off 5-6! In the evening we went to Chilcompton for a quarter of Grandsire Triples which lasted 22 mins before the inevitable downed bell. We spent the rest of the time rotating the band until all had rung each bell. After that gossip, computers and tea and more tea. We hear that the Golden Fleece spent Xmas wrapped round the (unwanted for the duration) figure bender - very crisp. Its called growing up - is it ?? I think its sad to hear such news.

Friday, Jan 7th - We spent the day in Hampshire to celebrate my Mothers 88th birthday - still sharp as a tack !!

Saturday, Jan 8th - Matthew's Annual small bell Bash - This year we started at George Dawson's light ring, then on to Loughborough for a guided tour of the foundry. Ringing on the 10 afterwards up to Cambridge Royal. Lunch was at the Great Central Hotel just down the road and was good and cheap. ?3.00 including a pint!! Grace Dieu (6) was next, the ringing chamber is on the top of the spiral and the bells above in 3 tiers of 2 bells. They were great. Getting used to a circular 4 foot ringing room was difficult though. Then on to Measham, Stuart Hale's micro-ring of 6 which were a real surprise. Easy to ring and very simple. The best example of very small rings that I have come across. believe me, they are pealable. Thats the acid test. Sapcote (10) were next and put to good use before we repaired to Harecroft Farm (8) for the rest of the evening. Mike Brown has finished the plot now and is to be congratulated. Thanks to Kath for tea and that. Thanks also to Matthew for putting on another good bash - we would have enjoyed it all the more if one other had been able to take the day off.

Sunday, Jan 9th - A no ringing day - shame I hear you say - but not for the asking. We had a family do here and I'm too old and frail to go against the 3 line whip! I hope they got the peal at Swanage though. We hear from more than one source that both Tina and Anne are leaving the RW - resignations are in! Does this mean we'll have some more fitted up job specs to consider shortly ?? Wilby for Ed ?? Interesting eh ??

Monday, Jan 10th - My birthday - Son Chris came for lunch and then I spent the afternoon ferrying god daughter Eleanor and the Lovely Susan to Bath Royal United Hospital for a consultancy over Eleanor's tonsils! Needless to say they have to come out but the nearest date is 6 to 14 months. Great ennit ?? The evening was spent with the god children eating a roast chicken dinner, birthday cake and various goodies, all provided by the Lovely Susan.

Tuesday, Jan 11th - Pig-le-Tower - 5088 Lincolnshire Surprise Major in 1h50 called by Tom. This was an excellent peal, we welcomed back Anne Carpenter on the treble. She thinks the fog is gradually clearing, thats good. Andrew Palk reported that Jo Waller is on a diet to which I retorted - What for? She already has to stand in the same place three times to make a shadow! George Massey missed his sally twice with no mistakes only to tell us he was suffering from raging toothache. Sheila Matthews now has no problem with the sub 2 hour matrix and my head managed to stay clear for the whole peal. Again a really good peal, worthy of the 250th in the tower.

Wednesday, Jan 12th - Pig-le-Tower - 5040 Minor (7m) in 1h42 called by Robert Perry. Frank Price stood in for me so that Marg could grab one back! A very good peal after a day spent getting Matthew's website on line - visit him at :http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/matthewhigby

Thursday, Jan 13th - Wedmore - We lost the handbell peal and went on after a cuppa to practice DNCB8. End of ringing. Did you see the RW today?? Of course you did. Just remember you read it here first !! (see last Sunday). I think this issue sums up just what I thought the RW had come to under the present regime. Super pic on front from Stan Scott then - Page 2 or should I say p26? I read every word all the way through and then read it all again. Bland, contrived and frankly, sanitized. All far to pat for me. It all looked as if it had been re-written about 10 times. The gem was headed RW reorganises - wonderful words like - reappraise, structure, management role, redefining, responsive, etc. etc. All this to achieve what David Thorne and Anne Carpenter did for years on their own !! Magic, its called progress. However a slip did occur with the old saw - To lose one is unfortunate, to lose two looks like carelessness - followed by a wide remit advert for the important position of Editor. Keywords there were - important and to my mind, flair for public relations. (good hint). The issue was saved by Gordon Hall's letter ( acknowledged by Wibbley in the editorial) - the bottom line answer is No. The CC has no teeth that's for sure, Gordon asks the questions but give no answers. August bodies and heaps of committees just don't work. Some of us decided a while ago to plough our own furrow - we have our own private rings and practice handbells, we ring peals, a few quarters and go on outings - we might even proliferate and take over. At the moment here we are quite happy to support the B&WDACR but one never knows. Our friends in East Anglia have formed the Iceni Society which may well sign the future. One things for sure - it is going to be interesting over the next couple of months - so heads down, eyes and ears open.

Friday, Jan 14th - Pig-le-Tower - We lost Pudsey Surprise Major after 3072 changes called by Peter Ellis. This was the second mechanical failure in over 1.6 million changes. Going along fine and suddenly the 4th stopped striking! On investigation the clapper pin had slipped over to one side allowing the clapper to cant over well out of square. But at least it will be only a 10 minute job to fix. Supper talk was as expected - Who's it going to be ?? - Sexual antics and deviations of possible takers! Fostering relations public or otherwise were well discussed.

Saturday, Jan 15th - We travelled to Micheldever for a handbell peal but on arrival John Croft wasn't feeling well enough to participate. So on to Petersfield for the Branch AGM, a spot of ringing - they were better than I remember - a proper Ringers' Tea - the meeting. Needless to say the evening was spent with the lovely Vivien at Kingsworthy.

Sunday, Jan 16th - Marg not too well - I had to go to Sainsbury's for some necessary provisions. Bloody hell, how do these women cope? I'd be a gibbering idiot if I had to spend any more time there. There is so much on display you can't find what you want and then when you want to get out there's a bloody great queue of people wanting to pay. Farting about with cash, card, cashback and squalling kids. I must be getting old, its all too much for me. Can I go back to Piglet ??? Please. I got a right bollicking from daughter Lizzie on account she had read that Marg wasn't too well on this webpage and I hadn't first phoned her. Oh the joys of being a father - trouble is she's right. But then, I've always had feet of clay.

Monday, Jan 17th - Pig-le-Tower - 5040 Minor (7m) in 1h36 called by Tom. We rang short as Mike Stone reported in from the Brecons that he had buggered up his knee walking with Stephen Bateman! Two new things today - The lovely Susan now has an email address :- susanhewett@supanet.com - its all new to her so please drop her a 'hello'.

Tuesday, Jan 18th - Spent the morning at Chilcompton - webbing with Matthew - and also doing small bell research!! Watch this space.. I had a phone call from Robert Perry informing me of a missed peal in 1973. Oh no. Phoned Lis Bowden and she provided the date and RW page. Then phoned Jim Taylor and used his complete RW facility - he of course gave me chapter and verse. You'll never guess what I did next. Oh yes you will - updating 700 odd peal records. Phew, and its put Marg back one on me. She's on 980 and I'm on 985. We plan to ring our separate 1000's together. All this means that I have to sit out of even more peals whilst she catches up. Don't know where, don't know when, but I know we'll ring again some sunny day ..... Keep smiling through ...

Wednesday, Jan 19th - They lost S Minor (11m) here tonight - I was indisposed with the screamers and had to keep within arms length of the khazi. Marg tells me that the pains are just like labour pains - if thats the case I'll never vote for them again. Horrible again and again all through the night.

Thursday Jan 20th - Had to cry off the handbell peal at Wedmore this evening - resting, sleeping with frequent visits - where does it all come from ?? I must have been more than empty yesterday evening !!

Friday, Jan 21st - No ringing again, except for updating the records, doing a bit of composing, looking up a composition for my old mate RCK, answering the phone to many who asked after my gutsache. Well then, this weeks RW - the committee have been taking some stick on the Ringers Chatline - but Wibbley seems more than capable of handling the brickbats - I have to say there was something different about this weeks epistle. Can't think what, but 'twas there nevertheless. Another old mate in the form of FCP thinks we are all getting bogged down in modern PC. Time was he reckoned when people resigned at sniff of trouble but not anymore eh? I mean when you can have convicted Members of Parliament serving short sentences and then proclaiming they are going into the church, well I ask you - what next ?? BH said he thought that perhaps some of the money spent on 2000 bellhanging might well have been spent on internal acoustics - I couldn't agree with him more.

Saturday, Jan 22nd - Yet more no ringing - Funny thing is I haven't really missed it ! - do you think it could possibly be part of the illness ?? - I hope so. This morning saw me brighten up as an old friend called round just to catch up with everything. Its amazing how a visit from an interesting female can lift your spirits!

Sunday, Jan 23rd - Pig-le-Tower - A record peal of 11232 Frodsham Surprise Major in 4h07 called by Brian Woodruffe. Rung at the third attempt, at last. It didn't go down without a fight but the beat was good throughout and all the roll ups were clean. We started at midday and finished just after 4.00pm. Margaret and Alison did the umpiring whilst Charlotte and Jo kept the kettle warm and then listened to the last few courses. Good tea followed by heaps of chat as you can imagine. The evening was spent with our neighbours and Jackie provided a splendid dinner followed by Art Tatum, Ella Fitzgerald and Ben Webster CD's. A very good weekend, all in all.

Monday, Jan 24th - Out to the tower to check for wear and tear after the long length - what did I find - nothing wrong whatsoever, but, there just laying on the frame were :- 8mm & 10mm spanners, screwdriver, oil bottle and a largish piece of wood used for holding bells half up when I'm working on them. Then the shakes started - what if anything had moved? The wood caught in a wheel? During a record attempt? Omigawd. I had to go indoors for a cup of tea and a sit down!

This letter arrived on the 'Ringing-chat' from Mark Davies - its a gem and Mark has kindly allowed me to show it here :-

I've been tossing and turning all week wondering whether to go for it or not. It would be quite a big step for me, and there are a lot of pros and cons. I've had a lot of thinking to do. But I've finally decided to take the plunge: I'll take the job as Ringing World Editor.

Naturally there are some changes that will have to be made. I'm not working under this office manager that Wilby proposes. Certainly not - it's me who'll be in charge. Yes, I'll need some sort of management dogsbody type person under me to run the business whilst I'm in the pub, but (a) the Editor's word is final, and (b) his salary is higher too. On the subject of money, of course I'd be doing it primarily for the love of the job, so I'd be prepared to accept something as low as 30K. As long as the share options are reasonable.

Now I intend to give as good as I receive, so here's some of the radical changes I shall introduce once I'm in office. In implementing these strategies I plan to pull the Ringing World kicking and screaming into the new millennium, finally making it the modern, quality-lead, market-driven, enfranchising vehicle for success that it deserves to be.

First of all we would remove: 1. Tedious front-page articles about the rehanging of five bell towers. 2. Anything by Bob Smith that has a peal-per-sentence ratio of greater than three. 3. Outing reports. (Well, we might leave in one or two as spoof versions to take the mickey out of people who think twelve towers in a day and a tea stop is good fun.) 4. Obituaries. No-one wants to be reminded about dead people every week. Not unless they were particularly unpopular when alive. 5. Statistical breakdowns for 2000-pealers. It's not big and it's not clever to admit you've conducted 150 peals of Rutland. 6. All letters beginning "Over the last few months I have become increasingly concerned". 7. Wedding reports - although we might leave the photo if the bride is good-looking. 8. College names in CUG peals. CUG peals altogether perhaps? No, too radical.

In place of the deadwood we would introduce: 1. At least two pages of composition reviews each week. The reviewers would be under orders to be particularly scathing about each other's compositions. 2. Controversial, investigative news - for instance, full

coverage of the Potter scandal. 3. The week's best contributions from ringing-chat, printed in full. 4. Full-page articles on exciting new methods. 5. A regular column for AJB. 6. More top-rate journalism from roving reporters - I see headlines such as "REVEALED! SHOCKING STATE OF RINGING IN CHELTENHAM" and "BOB DOUBLES FIRES OUT IN REDDITCH - AGAIN" 7. Better and more advertising. Very few advertisers in the Ringing World currently make use of the naked female form to sell their products - a severe drawback that I would be at pains to redress. 8. A new feature entitled "Beer Review & Brewery Report", with a regular prize draw for a barrel of Hook Norton's finest. 9. A weekly comedy slot. Contributors to include Percy "ringing in the style of the fast show" Throwup and Rupert "I've got a rude tailend joke" Bailey. I've also noticed that, for a comic, the Ringing World has been noticeably short on the cartoon strips - well, not for long. 10. And finally a "Babe of the Week" page to showcase ringing

lovelies from around the country. "She looks great at backstroke", etc.

Okay! Do I get the job? I think we should vote on it. All right-thinking people who want a better comic with sex, scandal and peal compositions, cut-and-paste the following subject line, and hit the mailto. You can give brief reasons if you want to, but otherwise leave the message blank. Subject: I VOTE FOR EDITOR DAVIES! mailto:ringing-chat@mail-list.com

Those who want to take issue with my approach - perhaps you think I am going a little too far upmarket, for example, or that I'm pussyfooting on the CUG peals issue - cut out the subject and use the mailto below: Subject: EDITOR DAVIES IS PANTS! mailto:ringing-twat@mail-list.com I appoint JEC to count the votes, and call upon Wilby and the rest of the RW board to accept the mandate from the people which I so confidently expect. MBD

Tuesday, Jan 25th - Pig-le-Tower - They lost Single Oxford Bob Triples this evening after 3360 changes - miscalled unfortunately by Rob Perry. It was going well, a 6 part at just over 17 mins a part. Marg is 6 peals behind me and every time she goes out to the tower to catch one back they lose it! I reckon it'll be mid-summer afore she catches me. My jokes about not ringing much this year are proving horribly true. As my old Mum says - many a true word spoken in jest!!

Wednesday, Jan 26th - Another no-ringing day - Mike Stone reckons he's coming over to sort out the motorbike workshop - some hopes, he hasn't reckoned on 40 years worth of discarded bits, worn tyres, broken cylinders, welded together cranks, to say nothing of the bent frames, kinked wheels, punctured tanks etc.. 'Ringers-chat' and 'Change Ringers' has been good also - especially the two pieces from Simon Gay - who just happens to be Tina's hubby! His first letter was addressed to one 'Pete' and discusses the ins and outs of working for a small charitable organisation. Ten paragraphs asking questions re employment by a flaky company. Brilliant. The second letter was an apology to the list saying he'd - had a slip of the mouse in the email software and that the email should have gone elsewhere! Brilliant again. So, OK he's covered himself. But who's going to believe it ?? Especially as he signs himself - Dr Simon Gay, Lecturer in Computer Science - quite a ploy - and one which I think his old Dad will be proud of. I would.

Thursday, Jan 27th - Piglet - 5040 St Clements C B Minor in 1h58 called by Brian Woodruffe. This was a practice for the coming long length attempt and was very good. The evening was spent listening to Marg catching up whilst she rang at Chilcompton - 5040 Minor (3m) in hand in 1h54 called by Robin Turner. Excellent ringing, Clare and I were in the next room watching a quiet TV and drinking tea !! Thanks to Matthew for taking time out from a mountain of paperwork (Tax return time) to help Marg in her catch up quest.

This weeks RW - Hurdy-gurdy got himself worked up a bit on the back page eh? Makes you wonder that, 'cos we do want to know whats going on don't we. The Freudian slip on p84 was also enjoyable! Congrats to Martin Hough on the Beehive peal p91, I see the comp. was by one R Roan. Dear old Roy has been delving into the ancient ringing books and probably come up with - WHW and In In 4ths - quite brilliant. Further on in the letters page we enjoyed both the letters by Paul Evans and AJB. I've always thought that committees should consist of an odd number less than three. Things are looking up.

Friday, Jan 28th - Spent the morning swinging cement with Matthew at Farleigh H., came home in time to open up the tower for the S Petherton ringers - their first time on small bells - they listened to the demo carefully and then set to with gusto. Jolly good too! I was expecting lost ropes, downed bells and mayhem - not a bit of it - I was gobsmacked, it really all does work. From experienced peal ringers to outright beginners - all catered for at Pig-le-Tower. Well, if I don't blow me own trumpet, who will ???

Saturday, Jan 29th - Today saw the visit of the ANZAB crowd for a peal of DMCB Major organised by Chris O'Mahony. Unfortunately this was stopped at 3360 changes due to one of the band being indisposed. Mind you, a fag and a cup of tea soon put him right! After lunch at Button Street they successfully rang Turramurra S Major at Buckland Dinham in 2h47. The real success of the day was an 'Aussie' evening at 'The Farmers Arms'. 3 courses and plenty of booze soon saw C O'M borrowing Alison's mobile and proceeding to phone everyone in Australia that he thought might be awake! Raucous 'Waltzing Matilda's' and constant moaning about the Ushers beer by Mike Stone. All this coupled with Penny's fluting between records of that - Tie me Kangaroo down, sport geezer and a very noisy Jim Taylor saw an end to an enjoyable 50 per cent day.

Sunday, Jan 30th - Weston - super - Mare - 5040 Plain Bob Major in hand in 2h06 called by Tom. A complaint from Sue Field that she hadn't rung a handbell peal since May '99 was squashed today! And she really did ring well. Sophie was quiet, which is more than I can say about the clock which chimed every quarter. You get fed after peals here which makes for more concentration. Saw Roy Rice as we waited for traffic at Banwell. He was messing about carrying spare bits around as usual - some things never change - If you want some spare - see Roy Rice !!

Monday, Jan 31st - Another cement swinging day with Matthew at Farleigh. Also if you wish to hang handbells as small bells with strap retaining headstocks then get in touch with Geoff Carter. He has the prototype. I also understand from my wife that one of my girlfriends was shocked to see the piccy used for Jan's challenge! Oh dear, I've done it again - I will blame it all on Roy who led me astray by providing it. Mind you, if you'd seen the mpeg he sent !!! I liked it, I thinks its because I've always been fascinated by triangles of any nature.

Tuesday, Feb 1st - Pig-le-Tower - 5056 Nailstone Surprise Major in 1h48 called by Brian Mountjoy. Our monthly first Tuesday peal with the Devon boys, the start wasn't up to par but the ringing settled and finished in fine style. This after a tiring day cement swinging again. Or rather I got clobbered with the mixing. 3 agg 2 sand 1 cement - I will be doing it in my sleep! By the way this months challenge pic is of a ringer we'd like to get in touch with - Cyril Lowe - we had some good ringing with him in the early sixties but after moving to Somerset we lost touch. Does anyone out there know his whereabouts ??? The grapevine says a masterly job is being done within the RW office - good. So no more jokes about fostering OK.

Wednesday, Feb 2nd - I am really pissed off - I sat and listened to them lose another catch up peal of Minor this evening. I mean, its just not on. I've fixed up 5 peals for Marg without me and the score is lost 4 rung 1. That means they have to attempt 20 for her to catch me up. Which in turn means I don't get to ring any peals - thats why I'm pissed off! The only bit of good news in a funny way is that Anne Carpenter phoned in sick this morning and I managed to get Pat Jones from Clutton to ring in her place at very short notice. Needless to say Pat rang like a veteran in this her first attempt on small bells. She will be in the next attempt. I think I will lock them in until they score - stay there all bloody night !!! Ho hum. I know this is only the second day of the month, but I would have thought that Barry Pointer's fertile brain would have met the challenge by now.

Stop Press - I've had a letter from Mark Davies informing me that he will be withdrawing from the Editor race as he is on a promise with far greater remuneration - see its not all cash. But don't stop voting for him as we wish to know the popular choice irrespective.

Thursday, Feb 3rd - Another no-ringing day on account of Barrie Hendry phoning to say he couldn't make todays handbell attempt. Then the phone went and daughter Lizzie asked if she could come to stay for a couple of days, great, that'll liven us up. Todays mail included a sobering message in the form of a notification that Marg and I had completed 40 years membership of The Bath & Wells DACR and would be expected to attend the next Branch Meeting to receive them. It can't be that long surely? Is it really 40 years since 1960 and that peal of Yorkshire S 8 at Chewton Mendip? 'fraid so. It was nice to see Brian Mountjoy's peals of Grandsire Caters in the RW today - but I can tell you that Brian has composed more peals than most of you have had hot dinners. I see the poll is swinging slowly in AJB's favour - that must please him after the bashing he's received from the Chat-line.

Friday, Feb 4th - Piglet - 5040 Minor (7m) in 2h01 called by Brian Woodruffe. Thanks also to Robin Turner for standing in another catch up peal for Marg. Lizzie and I went shopping in Frome whilst they rang in order not to put the mockers on it. Kate Walker came late afternoon and after practice we rang handbells. 34 in D.

Saturday, Feb 5th - Piglet - 5040 Plain Bob Major in hand in 2h15 called by Tom. We welcomed Helen Hunt and John Croft for this peal which was very good. Now I need a bit of time to think about designing a card for Valentine's Day!

Sunday, Feb 6th - Chris & Claire O'Mahony visited us for some small bell practice as Marg has invited Claire in one of her catch up peals. Everything OK, we rang PB6 and Kent TB6. During a spin out in the afternoon we looked up Pips Osborne nee Menniss, I taught her to ring back at Bishopstoke in the early 60's. Again Marg has asked her to ring here shortly and she has agreed! What about that then Roy?? Later saw us practicing the 11 plain Minor methods at Chilcompton with Robin Turner. All in aid of the catch up.

Monday, Feb 7th - We hear that the first choice of Editor is a non-runner in our poll. Oh dear! Just think what we have missed. Another no ringing day and I'm not in two peals planned here tomorrow - I think I'll give up and become a monk. On second thoughts no I won't.

Tuesday, Feb 8th - Things are looking up! Margaret scored 2 peals today without me which brings her within 2 of my total. The catch up is at last beginning to work. First, 5040 Minor (7m) in hand in 2h called by Robin Turner. Second, 5184 Cambridge Surprise Major in 1h54 called by Graham John in the campanile. Brian Woodruffe was in both peals. I listened to both peals on the wireless link and can confirm that they were both very good. I think I've forgotten how to do it?

Wednesday, Feb 9th - Double dog shit day today - First a pre-judgment by an old friend and then the catch-up crew went out to the campanile after discussing that they would ring 3 methods Minor - Your in front of me I'm sure - 2 extents of D Oxford followed by 2 extents of St Clements followed by almost 2 extents of Plain Bob! Stand 3-4 over. I'd not switched the wireless link on as members of this band considered it a bad omen - Oh yeah? I gave them my nasty look as I made the sandwiches !!!

Thursday, Feb 10th - A handbell peal at Mike Stone's place to try and keep some sort of momentum going! 5040 Plain Bob Minor in 2h04 called by Tom. Mike then fed us one of his small meals!! Bloated is the word. In the evening we had some visitors from the Cary Branch and Brian Shingler called a successful quarter of Cambridge Surprise Minor. They really rang well for their first visit here - Jay Bunyan sat indoors connected via the wireless link as she has problems with her wrist. There seems to be a really effective mind game doing the rounds at the moment - what a drag, a real pain in the arse - while it lasts.

Friday, Feb 11th - Piglet - 5040 Minor (2m) in hand in 2h09 called by Tom. Marg whizzed over to Chilcompton for 5040 Minor (9m) in hand in 1h57 called by Robin Turner. This was her first handbell peal with Andrew Mills, she enjoyed it and is now only 1 behind on the catch up. I should have gone with her to listen but I felt a bit fluey and had some zzz's in Granny's chair instead. These were interrupted by an hour long phone call from the lovely Vivien - so the evening was not wasted !!!

Saturday, Feb 12th - Micheldever - 5056 Plain Bob Major in hand in 2h07 called by John Croft. This was our first handbell peal with Christine Hill and was a very good performance of Ken Lewis's 5056. John is much better now and the day was enjoyable. In the afternoon we went to the Winchester District AGM at Brown Candover complete with a visit from Vivien - but we didn't get her to ring! Then a drive through the lanes to the A303 and home in time to baby-sit for Jackie next door. Another full day. Oh by the way Graham Wright has been ringing bells in the other room again - congrats.

Sunday, Feb 13th - Aldbourne - Marg rang in, hopefully, the last catch up peal - 5040 Stedman Triples in 1h56 called by John Pladdys. I sat in the car and listened to most of it - I can tell you JP mean't it. Well there we are 993 each. Hand almost in hand all the way now?? I'm feeling rough - I'm going to bed.

Monday, Feb 14th - Piglet - A day in bed, dog rough - Marg had got an all female band to ring a peal of Minor here. This was jeopardised when Sheila Matthews rang in to say she had the flu. Ok, says Marg - I'll ring Sue Field as she is first reserve. Sorry says Sue but I have this nasty under my wisdom tooth and have to fix it this am. OK says Marg - I'll ring Mike Stone and he can have the pleasure of ringing a peal on St Valentines Day with five women. OK says Marg. Then the phone rings again Claire O'Mahony rings in with the new that Hamish is not well. OK says Marg - and promptly gives up. Another quick ring round to cancel.

Tuesday, Feb 15th - Should have been a handbell peal of Oxford Treble Bob Major at Alex Hunt's place near Wiveliscombe. Graham John has a special comp. he reckons. Needless to say we had to cancel - I did have a bright spot during the afternoon when the lovely Susan called.

Wednesday, Feb 16th - Pig-le-Tower - 5040 Surprise Minor (11m) in 1h45 called by Brian Mountjoy. I listened to this peal via the wireless link wrapped up nicely in bed! Each 720 was exactly 15 mins so I could snooze between extents. Marg is now 1 in front to allow for the long length on Sunday - I must be better by then, surely ?

Thursday, Feb 17th - At home - I ventured out of the bedroom for a few hours - made a few phone calls - updated the computer - listened to the radio - felt knackered and went back to bed! No news. No gossip. No nothing. Its getting to be boring.

Friday, Feb 18th and Saturday Feb 19th - Just an oblivion of suffering - I want to forget them.

Sunday, Feb 20th - Pig-le-Tower - 10400 Delrow Surprise Major in 3h58 called by Brian Woodruffe. I got up to help Marg umpire this attempt and managed 2 of the 5 parts. We then had the usual hilarious tea, (comments like - You look just my Uncle did 3 days before he died, etc. Very comforting.) where I watched the lions eat, drinking my salt and sugar solution for replacing the fluids lost. I could have murdered a doughnut but somehow conjured up the willpower to say 'No'.

Monday, Feb 21st - Pig-le-Tower - They lost Single Oxford Bob Triples here tonight - again. Mind you it is tricky after a bit when the mind wanders - they met short - and I offered to bump the tenor for them. Just as well they lost it as I wouldn't have lasted the distance without a visit to the thunderbox. I look forward to the day when I can eat a hamburger or a great lump of cheese instead of boiled water, crispbakes and very bland porridge. Hohum.

Tuesday, Feb 22nd - Pig-le-Tower - They lost Glasgow Surprise Major here tonight, but recovered enough to score a 1344 quarter of the method in 28 mins. called by Roy LeMarechal. Marg and I listened over the wireless link and were quite impressed. We'll get it next time. Must thank Chris O'Mahony and George Massey for standing in for us at short notice.

Wednesday, Feb 23rd - Hopefully the convalescence continues - I actually felt like doing a bit on the computer and I read a book later. We watched 'Blue Murder' on the box which was pretty crappy on account Marg has a soft spot for Gary Mavers (Peak Practice).

Thursday, Feb 24th - Hooray - the first day for ages when I haven't felt like death warmed up - yippee. I joined up with this telecom crowd called AXS which has basically a 2p flat rate across the board - we'll see how it goes. I should be able to save a fortune on peal fixing. Full details on www.axstel.com. I also had a postcard from the lovely Susan - that always brightens the day. I'm going to have sausages and eggs tomorrow. I am.

Friday, Feb 25th - Went to our Lizzies show in Bristol - brilliant - a whole 2 hours of sheer entertainment by their Light Opera Group. I did nearly drop off in the car on the way home but as Chris was driving it didn't matter! Its 3 days since I heard a bell ring and I'm getting withdrawal symptoms - time to crank up Abel I think and learn Frankley S 8 for next Tuesday night. Things are returning to normal now so get busy with that gossip. People must be fed up to the teeth with these continual illness reports so who is ringing next to whom ??

Saturday, Feb 26th - Thanks for the response - its great to know that someone out there reads this rubbish. Things are coming together again - I know because I feel indignation. I got so fired up today that I felt like a burned crisp. Jackie Forder called, she is up north doing some course or other which will enable her to be a bigger and better Tax Inspector! Watch out - she means it. Anne Carpenter seems to have settled in Sunny Wisbech OK and awaits her new abode. Trish Spink seems to have disappeared orf the face of the earth.

Sunday, Feb 27th - First day run around - Over to Trowbridge to get some bits and bobs for the old motor - then on to Warminster to find the lovely Susan not well. Back for lunch and on to Witham Friary to see Chris' new printer. Epson 870. Seriously good output with 6 colours. No discernable dots and as sharp as a tack. The evening was spent in Nunney Village Hall for the commissioning of the new piano. We had 3 soloists who were followed by a swing band. Jolly good - they also hold Jazz Cafe's on Sunday afternoons at times - we'll be there, for sure. We understand that this was the RW interview weekend - Hope it all went OK. Moley is keeping quiet!!

Monday, Feb 28th - Marg and I went out for lunch today !! We went to the Red Lion at Rode, brilliant grub, 2 courses, help yourself, as much as you can eat for £3.95. But of course you need silver hair. Had a phone call with Sue Field, poor ol' gal has an infection under a wisdom tooth and Chris reckons she looks like she's got mumps, another heap of biotiks I s'pose. Well, February didn't turn up anyone who knows the whereabouts of Cyril Low. Shame that, it'd be good to get in touch again. He used to work for the Excise back along. Also update on RW interviews - now on Wednesday - can't wait - exciting ennit !!

Tuesday, Feb 29th - Pig-le-Tower - 5280 Rutland Surprise Major in 1h58 called by Robert Perry. Comeback peal this and very enjoyable, the comp used was by Arthur Craven for the first peal in the method back in the 20's. It was great to polish off a doughnut afterwards as well. By the way the peal was my 250th on the bells and was to welcome Amy Katherine Wood, first child of Giles and Jody, born last Thursday. Off to Newmarket first thing in the morning to attempt a balancing act nearer the 1000 TC 994 MELC 995.

Wednesday, Mar 1st - Newmarket - Margaret rang a handbell peal of 5040 Minor(4m) with Ian Holland and called by Frank Price. Then I rang a peal of 5040 Surprise Minor (7m) called by John Loveless in the evening . Yes, you know, that man who writes harmless letters to the RW! Perhaps Mike Church will explain to me what a Costbase is? I heard that Homebase has a good car park. Suppertime was interesting to say the least.

Thursday, Mar 2nd - Newmarket - How we got through breakfast I can't say - but there wasn't time to eat - the phone was red hot. Have you read the RW yet? Whats it all about? Crikey, thats lit a few sparks ennit? Smoke without fire... nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Did you hear about the.... etc. etc. I tried to phone the RW office but poor Pam found herself alone. Looks to me like the shits hit the fan. It also begs the question of past resignations, don't it? I would suggest that most ringers would support Tina's action in spite of the somewhat careless phrases used. But you can't do much to someone who just don't give a damn anymore. The subsequent wriggling - if dared, will be interesting as well - I mean, How can the RW Boards action be justified without implying something to hide?? I also pity the poor sod who has to take over ( David Thorne, in the interim we hear) chosen from yesterday's interviews. Then just wait for the CC Meeting - lumme - imagine Ol' Bailey - he'll have a field day for certain sure, and I can almost feel the smirk on Phil Gay's face from here!! This issue (no pun intended) just ain't going to go away. - After all that we rang a very good peal of 5088 Oxford T B Major in the campanile called by Bob Smith. Supper again was hilarious - but all I dare report is that Linda Garton has a penchant for jam doughnuts.

Friday, Mar 3rd - Newmarket - 5040 Plain Bob Royal in hand in 2h37 called by Bob Smith. Again very enjoyable - I rang the tenors and gazed out the window watching the small fountain working. Bloody stupid thing to do as I spent the last half hour bursting for a pee. I'll make Frank turn it off next time. The fountain I mean. After a super lunch we left in good time to get to the try-out of Matthew's at Farleigh Hungerford. Firstly, traffic solid on the A14, then solid again at St Neots, yet again at Bicester. The Police were monitoring the 50mph limit at Oxford and then guess what? Getting under the M4 north of Newbury took 50 minutes! It was half past five when we eventually got clear around the A4 junction of the A34. The A303 bit was OK. We reckoned that Matthew was probably eating his supper when we eventually got home at just gone 7.00pm. The best news is that both MELC and me are on 997. 3 to go. Bludjell.

Saturday, Mar 4th - Andrew Palk brought a band from West Somerset for a grab and to try some quarters. Joanne Waller brought the grub !! They all rang well, including young Joe. After a while we rang a quarter of Grandsire Triples - had a great lunch and then rang out most of the afternoon. We'll get Nick Kingdon back for a peal later. This band form West Somerset were particularly unimpressed by Thursdays news! I 'spose they are used to doing their own thing down yonder. Marg had to chair the Ladies Guild meeting at Chilcompton, so I went with her. Robin Turner, Ted Chivers and I not only had a super supper but of course put the world to rights over a couple of hours.

Sunday, Mar 5th - The tenth anniversary of Dorothy Eva Beamish's death here at Piglet. Marg went to Haycombe to read the book and then went on to visit daughter Lizzie. I got invited to eat with the lovely Susan so that was that for the rest of the day. We await the balanced views of the Establishment re the RW dispute. Wait for the whitewash and the pseudolegal claptrap. I must say I think Tina has won the popular vote - but it'll be quiet for a bit now. Nothing like going off half-cocked.

Monday, Mar 6th - Yet more rumours of RW Board resignations - where will it end? Anyway the day was brightened at lunch time. Marg whizzed off to partake of a test drive of the new Toyota Corolla - they try hard but will have problems trying to make a hard sell to her. Her sales resistance technique has to be seen to be believed!

Tuesday, Mar 7th - Pig-le-Tower - 5056 Frankley Surprise Major in 1h49 called by Brian Mountjoy. A really good peal this - Alan Barber's comp. really gives all the music both front and back. Steve Bateman stood in for Frank Mack as Frank is not too well - we rang it as a get well to him. Ringers are beginning to shrug shoulders and stifle yawns re the RW happenings. Another shock was to find Andrew Craddock reckons both Marg and I rang 2 less than we actually did in 1999. The last time this happened we found a couple of peals that had been sent but somehow got lost flying around the flaky hard disk at the RW Office and never published - hohum.

Wednesday, Mar 8th - A no ringing day, but we did go to Tesco at Shepton Mallet. How exciting an existence can you get? I think its time to clear out my den. You can't see the floor for old printouts - I've got books on dBaseII and Clipper and heaps of 5 inch disks that are useless. Dead flies, silverfish, spiders (they are good), envelopes with no stick left, love letters, thousands of photographs where I can't remember the time or place, glass bottles full of marbles, an IBM 8mHz computer, rows of dye bottles for photo retouching, etc. I expect you all have the same. What I haven't told you is that every room in the house is the same! We moved here in 1983 from Cloford Old Rectory and threw away nothing - then we inherited Marg's Mum's bits and bobs in 1990 and they are still in boxes unopened. Crazy. Tell me I'm not on my own - eh? My chemically interested friend Brian Mountjoy informs me that Viagra can now be obtained under its generic name - just ask your pharmacist for Mycoxaflopin - to be taken orally - he says.

Thursday, Mar 9th - Wedmore - 5040 Minor (6m) in hand in 1h52 called by Tom. We rang Cambridge for the first extent as a challenge! Due to holidays, sickness, etc., this was our first handbell peal together for over 2 months! Marg and I are now on 999. Crikey. OK then, you've all seen it - I told you it would be a whitewash - talk about thin excuses - sensitivity at Seven Corners? - any firm worth its salt always keeps an eye on the competition so how a harmless letter from JPL can justify suppression is beyond me. We have to feel sorry for Robert Lewis, the new Editor, surely he has one arm tied behind his back now? But then this weeks issue seems to support 3 editors!! Somehow I feel this saga ain't ended - funny thing I always thought a conflict of interests was valid whichever way the penny dropped, but it seems from the blurb that its OK if its one sided. I must say that after a weeks thoughts I hoped we would have read something more believable that addressed the issues raised. Sometime never eh? Still live in hope.

Friday, Mar 10th - Nothing to report other than a bit of campanile maintainence.

Saturday, Mar 11th - Lyme Regis - 17040 Bristol Surprise Royal in 9h30 called by Roy LeMarechal. Marg and I umpired this peal, 1hr on, 1hr off. We enjoyed it. It didn't have the sparkle of the 18000 London S 10 but kept going at a good pace of just under 12 mins a course. Marg was sat in the doorway doing her bit when she felt a tap on her shoulder - some guy had found his way in - 'Is this a sponsored ring?' he asks - 'Go away' says Marg - and he did. Malcolm Turner was pleased that after 31000 changes he now has something to put in his book!

I received a very good caption for the challenge today - but unfortunately it was over a non-de-plume. Now we can't have that can we? Personally I prefer a furry lollipop to lick - it lasts so much longer - so please resubmit and desist from using anonymouse@hotmail - I can handle point scoring when its up front, but never claimed anything other than having feet of clay!! Bye.

Sunday, Mar 12th - A Piglet Horticultural Day - Armed with saw and cutters I attacked all the things Marg told me to demolish! I took time out to watch Chester catch a mouse and then eat it at my feet - ugh. I got fed up and started creosoting the campanile and shed. I got told off for ruining yet another jumper with splashes. 'You stink' - and as evening fell the phone started - it didn't stop 'til gone 9pm, my cocoa was cold, my sandwich had curly edges. I made accusations re the above challenge which were flatly denied. We'll see !! Tomorrow sees the attempt for our 1000ths - watch this space. I dumped the EZpoll Editor thing, the real thing is scary enough! MBD wants to know if the resignation of 3 RW women over the last couple of months was a macho ploy ??

Monday, Mar 13th - 10080 Plain Bob Minor in hand in 3h54 called by Brian J Woodruffe. 588 singles - each extent 42 singles - The footnote reads:- Marg's 1000th - Tom's 1000th - Brian's 1000th as conductor, also 50th long length as conductor. The least youngest band to ring a long length, avg age 63.44 years! Out of interest it took Marg 54 years and me 49 years to get to 1000 and Brian 44 years his 1000th as conductor. We had a celebratory cup of tea and a bowl of soup - gosh, we know how to celebrate down here!

Tuesday, Mar 14th - 5376 Lincolnshire Surprise Major in 1h52 called by Alex Hunt. This was the third peal in the Graham John series of std 8 regular 6 parts. Graham couldn't make it this month so the mantle fell on Alex. I really enjoyed it but Marg thought it a touch fast !! All in all an excellent day. Before I forget - Many thanks to ringers around the world for their congratulations re the 1000ths. We would like to thank everyone who took part in the quest, especially over this last 3 years. Time now for a rest - Marg has rung over 150 a year over the last 3 years and I have rung over 200 per annum. 34 in D.

Wednesday, Mar 15th - 5040 Surprise Minor (13m) in 1h44 called by Brian Mountjoy. Good peal this marred only by a wobbly in the York. Well it would be eh? The afternoon was spent at Dulcote with Adrian Peacock and Jeremy Spiller watching Matthew and Rich Bowditch casting the 10 for Millcroft, Willingham. All went well, with no spits or burned boots. Rich did dress up for the occasion in his HSE casting robes - did a few incantations for the visitors - and filled the place with fumes and smoke to make a fair imitation of Dante's inferno whilst pouring the metal. We all had a ring at Jasmine Cottage afterwards and a cup of tea before departing homewards.

Thursday, Mar 16th - Wedmore - This week we practiced Bourne S Minor with a degree of success - 2 extents - then one of Cambridge afterwards, just to see if we could still do it! RW debate seems to have settled down this week and I 'spose that'll have to do for now.

Friday, Mar 17th - Piglet - 5040 Minor (2m) in 1h56 called by Tom. We started off to ring Cambridge S but after 3 extents I decided to switch to PB as I thought we'd probably fall apart about 5 extents. One step at a time - thats the way to do it. After lunch we practiced Bourne and Norwich - so we'll see what the pensioners are capable off in the near future! The gossip is thin on the ground at the moment and nothing has spun its way out to us regarding the events reported in last weekends papers. Turdlockers indeed.

Saturday, Mar 18th - We went to Weston S Mare for Grandsire Triples - Holts Original - Richard Newman conducting. After 50 mins the next before bell was in the hunt which rather spoils things - so we went to the pub down the hill - the ringing was much better. Prior to the event we had lunch at Burrington Combe - highly recommended even if the prices are a bit salty. Chris Field was discussing his peal week in Yorkshire, thats soon in mid April. He's been having trouble with the Hotel over rooms as most of them are doubles. It turned out that there is going to be a distinct lack of crumpet, which means boring peals looking at Clifford bemoaning the aforesaid. Omigawd.

Sunday, Mar 19th - Another Piglet Horticultural Day until the quarter at S Petherton in the afternoon. Not very good, scrappy ringing and people falling off the line in Cambridge S 12. Then to cap it all - I was calling it off the treble - I rang Royal? - turned round in 10ths and came down yelling at Marg as I thought she was pivot bell when in actual fact she was 9/10 places! Not one person said - Hey Tom dodge with me in ?? - So I forced up a lead end with the coursing order 54326 and it promptly fell to bits. Which just goes to show - If you are going to go wrong do it as if you mean it !! This does not augur well for the 12 bell at Evesham - does it ?? Andrea Freeman said once - I don't want to go to Evesham and come last - funny how sometimes we get what we wish ennit ?? Hohum. A report came in from downtown Swanage where a peal attempt this afternoon was forced to end by the action of a policeman sussing out a complaint. I'm sure Martin Hough will sort that out pretty damn quick !

Monday, Mar 20th - Reports came in that yesterday a quarter of Grandsire Cinques (the first) had been successfully rung at So'ton Uni Hartley 12. Apparently the conductor had been involved in some omnibus altercations on Friday night and called the bobs with a real shiner! And all because of booze - no booze, own car - booze, public transport and the hassle of Joe Public forehead. Anyway, today Marg and I had a ride down to Muchelney to hear a peal attempt of Doubles. We reckoned they had been ringing about an hour when we got there. I hope they got it as the ringing was very good for the 720 changes we listened to. Also on the grapevine, apparently the B&W hierarchy are looking to replace some key people at this years AGM. Battle lines are being drawn and old divides rekindled. One of these days I might have the temerity to ask what the Association thinks it achieves ?? I was called an iconoclast today - what does that mean ??

Tuesday, Mar 21st - 1346 Cambridge S Maximus at Petherton in 55 mins called by Joe Beaumont. This was a better attempt than last Sunday and consisted of the band that will ring at Evesham on Saturday in the 12 bell eliminator. There have been a couple of calls recently about peal fees increasing generally. East Anglia has been hit with the Ely lot having to pay £1 a rope - obviously no peals. Suffolk has gone up to 75p - less peals rung. There seems to be a debate as to the validity of tying the peal to the membership fee as a percentage - W&P £5.00 membership, 50p rope fee. - Bath & Wells £3.50 membership, 35p a rope. Even at this quite low rate the income from what we call the Piglet Initiative is £836.85 since the beginning of 1996. Now if every tower contributed a like amount .....

Wednesday, Mar 22nd - We attempted 10080 St Clements B Minor in hand with Brian Woodruffe conducting. Really excellent ringing for over 8 extents when we all suddenly realised 2 bells were over. Mike Stone as Umpire declared that Brian had miscalled it. Fair enough, he had the paperwork - for my part it seemed a seamless swop unrealised until too late. There's always tomorrow. Later in the afternoon we heard a broom-broom out front - it was an hill-climbing friend on his 900cc Ducati V twin. Very nice. I must get my bikes going again says me in a fit of enthusiasm, after the peal attempts and future long lengths!!

Thursday, Mar 23rd - Wedmore - 5184 Kent T B Major in hand in 2h14 called by Barrie Hendry. This was after a morning with the lovely Susan and a post lunch perusal of the RW and several interesting phone calls. Roy LeMarechal called to say the Peal fee for the W&P is not linked to the membership fee but has a bell fund amount included. Apparently the Suffolk Guild Management committee has now decreed, allegedly breaching it's own rules, that non resident life members who move or have moved into its area, must if they ring peals for it, become resident members. Is that irrespective of age or t'was always thus?? Or is it aimed at somebody - some place ?? Didn't they have a problem like this in the Oxford Guild some time back ? Margaret bought me a new jumper as the rest seem to be covered in creosote. She hates the smell - I love it. So will the ringers here for a while !! By the way, I'm going to have a fag tomorrow.

Friday, Mar 24th - Sheila Matthews arranged for a band from Dorset to come here today. After the usual explanation and tryout we left them to get on with it and they rang 1260 Grandsire Triples in 35 mins called by Tim Collins. Then Kate Walker came for some handbell practice - we rang 5 methods - before she had to rush off !! I had a lovely email from Cherril encouraging me with my idea of having a fag tomorrow. She's a week in front of me, female, stronger resolve, half my age. I'm going to look a pillock if I don't see this through. Poor ol' duffer - hooked on the weed - what a state of affairs. Now there's an idea.

Saturday, Mar 25th - Travelled up to Evesham to take part in the 12 bell eliminator - we were in the rather scratch S Petherton team, we were drawn first - always a good way to gain the most criticism, especially from a Brummie set of judges !! Rod Pipe, David Hull and Rick Shallcross otherwise known as Rod Hull and Emu. I think we knew that we would be placed, or should be placed last, so it was :-

1 College Youths - 72% - 3.45 peal speed - Competent with a good finish.

2 St Pauls - 69% - 3.50 peal speed - settled yet mistakes and clippy.

3 Reading - 65% - 3.50 peal speed - Disappointing after a good start, mistakes.

4 Cambridge - 59% - 3.48 peal speed - Shapeless, variable speed, clippy.

5 Oxford - 58% - 3.39 peal speed - promised better, not together.

6 Manchester - 55% - 3.32 peal speed - closed handstrokes and much too fast.

7 S Petherton - 49% - 3.56 peal speed - hesitant, clippy but settled later.

However - we didn't fire out! We had no method mistakes. It was too slow on account of people ringing with their eyes and were making sure they didn't clip which of course makes the ringing get gradually slower. That shows the lack of practice on 12 which is our bogey as yet. The judges did say they were somewhat disappointed with all the ringing as no band managed to get the best out of the bells, hence the low percentages. A really good day for us - lots of chat with old friends - super grub and cups of tea (15p) from the local ladies at All Saints. Funnily enough, all the ringing sounded great just mooching about the environs of the tower. Just shows what a good ring Evesham are eh??

Sunday, Mar 26th - 10752 Zellenberg Surprise Major in 4h02 called by Brian Woodruffe. Another record peal here - the 7th - using an all singles comp. by A N Tyler. Margaret and Alison Caton did the umpiring. 48 courses. We thoroughly enjoyed the peal even though a hiccup occurred at the halfway point.

Monday, Mar 27th - A handbell practice with Barrie Hendry took up most of the morning. We are going for Surprise Minor and all are trying to ring by the grid or PN. Its hard to keep the concentration going - watch the grid working and call the composition. I wonder if I'm too old for this sort of thing ?? Well then, did you see or hear of Don Morrison's letter which was politely refused publication in the RW? Don then published it all on the Change-ringers list. An excellent letter which probes deep into the questions that we the punters want answered from the RW management - this debate may yet reach the CC AGM I think. I also think the Suffolk Guild hierarchy may have bitten off more than they can chew - why won't people meet problems, real or supposed, head on ?

Tuesday, Mar 28th - Whitefield, nr Wiveliscombe - 5088 Oxford T B Major in hand in 2h02 called by Graham John. This was a good peal rung after half an hours false start! You can always rely on Graham to provide an interesting composition. The views from Alex and Caroline's cottage are stunning across the valley to Wellington Monument. Needless to say we didn't get back to Piglet 'til half past midnight.

Wednesday, Mar 29th - Pig-le-Tower - 5152 Superlative Surprise Major in 2h02 called by Robert Perry. This was to welcome Ray Haines to small bell ringing. He rang very well for his first attempt, of course he lost his rope but recovered well and by the end of the peal was relaxed and stroking it along like a good 'un. he enjoyed it and will be back. Thats great as we rang several peals with Ray back in the early 60's.

Thursday, Mar 30th - Wedmore - 5040 Minor (6m) in hand in 1h57 called by Tom. This included Cambridge so we are gradually overcoming the divide between Plain, Treble Bob and Surprise. Roger Bailey will be pleased! The RW included yet another religious tract on the back page, guaranteed to incite flaming on the internet. I think that soon we'll all be able to recognise the new editor, won't we?? The masthead altered to separate the lettering from the background - why don't they 60% ghost the drawing to make the type more legible? Whilst about it also clean up the sallies. Why a London background? Lets have different backgrounds every so often coupled to a prize for guessing where it is? I liked the piccy of the Hursley ladies band at Brockenhurst especially the heavy one.

Friday, Mar 31st - Most of the day spent with the lovely Susan, including a makeshift lunch. Then we were invited out to Dinner with friends at Beckington. Super time. I found a book about the Marx Brothers - very anti-social. I just couldn't put it down. Saturday, Apr 1st - Micheldever - 5056 Plain Bob Major in hand in 2h07 called by John Croft. All went well in spite of John not being 100% just yet. He left for work just after lunch quite happy though. Then we whizzed off down to Chandlers Ford to see my Mum for Mothers Day - we stayed for 5 hours which must be a record. She was in good form all the time I'm glad to say. After that we called in to see Vivien at Kingsworthy. Rounded off the day superbly. Yet another challenge piccy from Roy - he asks is this where Easter Eggs come from ??

Sunday, Apr 2nd - We spent the day at Witham Friary - Mothers Day - Both childer had decided that Marg should have an easy day at Chris's. So it was, and very enjoyable too. They came up with a puzzle which might amuse you :-

There were four blokes who had to attend a meeting with only 17 minutes left to the start. They had to cross a rickety bridge which could hold only 1 or 2 people. It was pitch dark. There was only 1 torch between them. Which meant that one person had to cross back over the bridge with the torch every crossing. Adrian could cross in 1 min. Bill could cross in 2 mins. Charlie could cross in 5 mins, and poor old Dave took 10 mins. So in what order did they cross that enabled them to get to the meeting on time ??

Monday, Apr 3rd - Whizzed off up to Willingham, Cambs. to help Matthew & Charlotte install the new ring of 10 in Adrian Peacock's converted mill. Adrian has made a superb job of the structure. We were determined to make just as good a job of the installation. Most of the heavy stuff was completed before tea-time and we shot off down the A14 to Newmarket where we rang 5040 Humberside S Royal in 2h12 called by David Salter. This after a good meal given us by Sheila Price, who also arranged the sleeping arrangements.

Tuesday, Apr 4th - We more or less finished the installation by late afternoon and had just enough time to take Sheila out for a meal before the try-out back at Willingham. This had been fixed for 19.30 but few showed? 3 of us had to ring double-handed in order to ring the 10. Matthew spent a short time upstairs fine tuning before the meeting was closed at 21.00. This venue has the potential to be a first class centre - whether it will do remains to be seen. All I can say is that we were satisfied with the installation. Meanwhile the Devon boys scored 5024 Bristol Surprise Major in 1h48 called by Brian Mountjoy at Pig-le-Tower in my absence which must say something!

Wednesday, Apr 5th - A lazy ride back after lunch from Newmarket to Piglet - across country in 3h30. By the way the little puzzle was solved first by Roy LeMarechal, he didn't say how long it took him to complete it.

Thursday, Apr 6th - No ringing today - car in workshop for front brakes. A job which in the end cost twice as much as anticipated. Not only were the discs and pads shot but also a caliper. Never bloody rains but what it pours! Still we had the RW to peruse didn't we? Yet more photos of the Ed I see, I think I might recognise him now if I met him. But then a few more piccys might help eh? To my knowledge the Records Committee are sitting on 2 record peals and a 10000 which isn't a record in the usual manner. Why do these things take so long to publish? Are all the existing records on paper, backs of fag packets or something? What happened to databases? All are on the internet - why don't they use it as intended? When these things eventually get printed they are yesterdays news. Why? I want to know - we should be told. Or perhaps this particular new broom doesn't sweep so clean.

Friday, Apr 7th - Today is the lovely Susan's birthday, so I took her out for lunch. I also had an email from Roy LeMarechal stating that he had received no communication whatsoever regarding his long length at Lyme Regis backalong. How long does it really take to confirm that something hasn't been rung before? I know Brian Woodruffe can do it in seconds so lets be generous and say a few minutes eh? Why then do we have to wait months?? They must be piling up at the RW office just waiting for the OK to print. So along with the RW Board debate perhaps someone should ask these questions at the forthcoming CC AGM. Or is that expecting too much ??

Saturday, Apr 7th - Monday Apr 17th - Away in Yorkshire ringing peals for the Bath & Wells! 15 attempts with 11 scored. All the usual stuff when this particular mix of people get together. Organised by Chris & Sue Field the 10 days went like clockwork except in the manning department. Let down on day 1 Chris had to use all his skill in juggling bands and getting Marg and Marion actually ringing peals during the week. As usual there were some corkers and some conkers. We also had some local help during the week in the form of Richard Price, Barbara Davies, Digby Burton, Stuart and David Raggett and Mark Place. The Hotel was superb, grub good, the evenings were somewhat of a lottery as some grabbed, some drank, and some ate. However, the week came to its end with a spanking peal of 5039 Grandsire Caters at Northallerton on Saturday. Last night at the Hotel was subdued and on Sunday morning we wended our way down to Sapcote for a quarter of Yorkshire S 10 on the church bells and a quarter of Rutland S 8 on the Harecroft ring.

Tuesday, Apr 18th - Beckington - 5040 Minor (5m) in hand in 1h50 called by Tom. After getting home - a days fettling in the campanile - we were ready to sit down for a handbell peal here with Chris O'Mahony and Alex Hunt. Then the phone rang - Alex to say that BT had given him another 2 jobs to do and he probably wouldn't finish 'til 8.00pm. Hasty phone call to Chris and a quick trip to Beckington for the above peal. The first in their new abode. A 2nd birthday compliment to Hamish O'Mahony.

Wednesday, Apr 19th - Pig-le-Tower - 5040 Spliced Surprise Minor (15m) in 1h46 called by Brian Mountjoy. A spanking effort this with all on their best behaviour! I spent the day in the belfry eliminating the rope noise - gosh, what a difference, they sound even better than ever. I hope this augers well for the 9 in a day on Friday. I forgot to mention - I met this lovely girl whilst in York last week, she just happened to work at Rowntrees. The staff can get cut price chocolate - mishapes etc. Guess what we've been eating lately! Curly After Eights, bent Yorkies, flat bars and other gone wrong bits and bobs.

Thursday, Apr 20th - I spent more time in the campanile fiddling and refining ready for the Great Event. Marg sorted the accommodation and food and we waited for our visitors. They turned up at 9.00pm, had a quick grab, pronounced all OK and promptly went to bed.

Friday, Apr 21st - Pig-le-Tower - 9 peals in a day - Breaking new ground - setting new records - you name it - we done it !!! All 8 band members (plus reserve in the shape of Kath Salter) were here by 5.45am and we started promptly at 6.00am. 5088 Bristol S Major in 1h46 called by Roy LeMarechal. Followed at 8.00 by 5056 Cambridge S Major in 1h51 called by Tom Chapman. Then at 10.00, 5088 Lincolnshire S Major in 1h48 called by Simon Alford, this was followed at 12.00 by 5088 London S Major in 1h50 called by James Hodkin. At 14.00 we had 5184 Pudsey S Major in 1h42 called by Andrew Mills (teararse) and this was followed at 16.00 by 5056 Rutland S Major in 1h47 called by Marc Hart. 18.00 saw a 5152 Superlative S Major in 1h46 called by David Salter which was followed at 20.00 by a 5088 Yorkshire S Major in 1h46 called by John Colliss. This completed the standard 8 in a day, which had previously been rung on handbells. So to extend the frontier slightly, at 22.00 we rang 5056 Spliced S Major (std8. atw) in 1h43 called by Roy LeMarechal. On completion of the 9 peals in a day, congrats all round and back to Piglet for a midnight supper prepared by Marg and Kath. Mad, mad, I hear you say - but we have left room (just) for more adventurous souls to surpass this record. Just for the record we rang 45856 changes in 15h59. All in all - a day to remember.

Saturday, Apr 22nd - Just resting !! and talking about yesterday on the phone. Thanks for all the congrats.

Sunday, Apr 23rd - Easter Sunday, heaps of choccy eggs and the family here to celebrate. Thanks again to all of you who have emailed us regarding the 9 in a day on Good Friday. The strange thing is that it now seems a long time ago and the memories are a bit woolly when I think of the individual peals !! Using the Peter Ellis formula another Piglet record was broken when Andrew Mill's Pudsey S Major raised the beats per minute to 432. Whole pulls divided by minutes rung multiplied by the beats per whole pull (17).

Monday, Apr 24th - Weston super Mare - 5040 Grandsire Triples in 2h42 called by Richard Newman. After an unsuccessful attempt the same band met again for Richard to call Holt's Original. Pretty uneventful with fair ringing. Susan Field became the first person to circle Weston S Mare to peals. Bully for her. After lunch in the local Marg and I shot off to S Petherton for the Association AGM. What an experience! Just for a moment during the Bell Advisers Report I thought things might look up. People just can't seem to accept Jim Taylor's rationale of dealing with the job. Basically, he says that his remit is with the PCC of a church not the ringers. If ringers want to know what is contained in his reports they should ask their PCC's. Of course some are far above this sort of behaviour and consider they should be consulted. For a little while you could have cut the atmosphere with a knipe. All downhill after this with things going through on the nod like normal - except for the Data Protection crap apparently Guilds are taking the names and addresses OFF their webpages for fear of treading on the DPA's totoes. Stuff 'em I say - this internet business is pure anarchy and should stay so!! What's the good of an Association website with no addresses published ?? Stick two fingers up - publish what is wanted - after all no one is being forced to read a webpage, are they? That's my Easter Monday rant over - I always go expecting fireworks but only get damp squibs.

Tuesday, Apr 25th - Pig-le-Tower - We welcomed an ANZAB band here to attempt an ANZAC Day peal of DNCB Major. Unfortunately it was lost at 1840 changes and they went on to ring a quarter of Stedman Triples. We listened from indoors via the wireless link and the ringing seemed good, but apparently the composition suffered from having 4 homes !! Do we blame the conductor or what! Of course it made for more social time at supper where we all enjoyed a speech from Penny regarding the traditions of the special biscuit we had to partake of to celebrate the occasion - they were good biscuits.

Wednesday, Apr 26th - A real lazy day - a bit of graphic work on the computer - a spot of proving and composition - then some method generation. All this whilst it was chucking down with rain. On clearing up the creosote pot made its appearance and I managed a few square yards of cover! Whilst I'm cutting grass or creosoting sheds I have these weird thoughts like - Why is the word 'abbreviation' so long? - Surely it would make more sense for men to ride side-saddle - If a fly had no wings would it be called a crawl? Hohum. This must be the sign of advancing years. Must be drinking far too much tea.

Thursday, Apr 27th - Marg had a field day today - three new towers in Somerset! I'd been to two so I acted as driver for her. They were Isle Abbots, Beercrowcombe and Aller. In the meantime we rang at Huish and had a very good lunch in Langport. I spent my time taking unusual photos, well normal pics from unusual angles as I intend sometime in the future to put them in the challenge spot. Things like the left-hand pinnacle at Muchelney etc.. I had a phone call from the lovely Vivien at Kingsworthy, which cheered the evening up no end. Changing the subject completely - can anybody out there get me in touch with David Beard as I need to talk to him about Byroc! Read into that what you like.

Friday, Apr 28th - We hear of strange going ons at CC level coupled with the RW Admin system. Amazing that the debate just will not die! I 'spose that we'll soon be informed as the great AGM nears. For our part the RW has carried on as normal with small additions and the very annoying omission of the small explanatory sentences on the back page. How many records or performances subject to ratification have been reported as having been achieved since the new regime took over ?? With the Records Committee sitting on things for months these topics are really old news when they eventually get published. Time somebody got their finger out methinks.

Saturday, Apr 29th - Lyme Regis - Marg and I spent an enjoyable day umpiring the record 10000 of Rutland S 10, they took 5h35 with the average course speed just a shade under 12 minutes. The weather as glorious for the times we had out of the belfry. Wish I could say the same regarding the atmosphere in the pub afterwards! I suppose you'll have to wait to August to see the report in the RW.

Sunday, Apr 30th - Pig-le-Tower - Today should have been a 2 peal day - unfortunately we lost the Uxbridge S Major at 3776 changes due to the conductor missing a wrong! Not to be daunted, after lunch we rang 5152 Superlative Surprise Major in 1h49 called by Robert Perry. Later Fiona and Kristine came over from Cherhill after shopping in Swindon and a good time was had by all!

Monday, May 1st - W & P Andover District Open Day - I was the driver for Marg's 2 missing towers - Over Wallop and Thruxton. Then we had a good pub meal! After lunch we visited the other towers just for the chat and some photeys. We ended up drinking tea at Whitchurch whilst the grabbers turned the bells over and the ropes went up and down. In spite of listening to crap ringing all day I must say that I enjoyed ferrying Marg around. But then I can hear you say - Bloody peal ringers - to which my friend Alex would reply - You don't send professors to teach at nursery school. Rant over - dodge flak. Talking of flak, we hear that all is not well in Guildford! To bare souls was not imagined and the wearing of sackcloth and ashes not contemplated. Take refuge in Church - that was the old way - but it ain't going to work now is it ?? Heads up arses time, might just as well go out in a force 9 and pee against the wind. Do you know I might just go to Ipswich for the entertainment.

Tuesday, May 2nd - Pig-le-Tower - 5376 Jonah Surprise Major in 1h52 called by Brian V Mountjoy. We had a whale of a time ringing this !!! Usual Devon boys first Tuesday peal. Heaps better than Lincolnshire and good to ring. Mike Stone only coughed once, this being his 200th on the bells. James Grant circled the tower by ringing the tenor. Marg actually learnt a new method. We hear that the RW Board are going to resign en bloc at the CC AGM, good ploy that. Makes for no chit chat, then hope to get re-elected eh? No chance.

Wednesday, May 3rd - A no ringing day but a good one for receiving emails - memories - the evening was spent in Bristol as we went to a production of 'Kiss me Kate' by our Lizzie's fella, Richard. Very good, but too much Shakespeare!! Also the driving scared me stiff, twice we outdragged motors in Marg's little Starlet in the hope of leaving trouble behind. No chance, as you slow for the next set of lights the buggers are swarming all over you. Townies - you can keep 'em. And they've changed all the road systems - you haven't a clue where you are going. Could someone tell me how you get from Redcliffe to the Colston Hall without going round Will's mothers ? Progress they call it - do they? We have more progress in Trudoxhill.

Thursday, May 4th - Wedmore - 5040 Minor (7m) in hand in 1h52 called by Tom. Ex pats Barrie and Pat are back from India so we celebrated with this peal! Also we had a mention in today's RW's Peals Analysis - Top Tower with 89 peals last year, and Newmarket coming 2nd with 63. I told you before that small rings would take over the world just like MZ motorbikes did in the 70's. The comments from the Chairman of the RW Board were interesting - perhaps he would like to tell us what the wages bill this year will be compared to 2 years ago ?? Still I suppose that would be called ill informed comment also very uncontrolled. Great eh - of course, we shouldn't be allowed to be informed on the 'net - bit too much like the RW debate really ennit?? So why open it up again ??

Friday, May 5th - Off to West Cranmore for a quarter of Wells S Minor - I like these bells - a tuned up mix and match lot but rewarding to ring. After lunch at Nunney Catch we whizzed up to Farleigh Hungerford for another quarter - this time 6 methods Doubles. Again another welcome ring in this area. The locals met us and are very pleased with the bells. We then went back to Piglet for a cup of tea and a bite before setting off for Congresbury - back to our old haunts - On the menu was a quarter of Hampshire S Major, sort of Bristol messed about with. Unfortunately this foundered at halfway so a visit to the 'Ship and Castle' was called for. For some peculiar reason I find ringing quarters like this more tiring than peal ringing! My attention was brought to the quarter published in this weeks RW of Grandsire Triples called by Tim Collins and rung at Chilcompton (Pig-le-Tower)! Never mind the two places do have a close affinity.

Saturday, May 6th - Weston- super-Mare - We lost Yorkshire Surprise Major after 2500 changes due to a miscall. The attempt was to celebrate Chris Field's 50th birthday, shame. However the day was not lost as we put the world to rights in the pub afterwards and then went on to Selbourne Road for a curry supper that Sue had prepared. As we were eating we saw the start off a rather large thunderstorm which was gradually closing. The journey home later saw a spectacular show of lightning on the Mendip as the sheet lightning built in the clouds and then discharged to earth. Incredible.

Sunday, May 7th - Spent the entire day trying to sort out the old CX - new battery - new distributor cap - new rotor - new leads - new plugs - plenty of sparks - the smell of unburnt petrol out the pipe - but do you think the bloody thing would fire up course not - its froggie and on a mission to piss off as many Brits as it can - good job I bought it for pennies ennit? Gone to bed early to read Claire Bloom's life story.

Monday, May 8th - We had a thunderstorm last night - I prudently disconnected the modem and answerphone as a couple of years ago I lost both due to lightning - Then I had a call from Matthew saying he'd lost his modem although Claire's was OK in the next room? That's strange. Is there any protection one can arrange other than pulling out the plugs?

Tuesday, May 9th - Pig-le-Tower - 5184 London Surprise Major in 1h47 called by Graham John. One of Graham's specials this with more or less everything you could ask for regarding musical changes. We enjoyed it as it had that wonderful free rolling quality that makes peals here unique. The CX saga continues and it annoys me that I can't find an answer yet to the problem, but then I'm told I've always been an arrogant sod. So up mine. Oh dear.

Wednesday, May 10th - Another lazy day - read a book - mowed the grass - went to the dentist - and received a report from my old mate Percy. You know he's the one who likes woodworking. Wondered if a carpenter would be needed to make a webframe? I wonder if tomorrows RW will see the reports of long lengths rung almost 3 months ago? There are only 4 of them to date, one needing no ratification as it wasn't a record but nevertheless was over 10,000 changes. 'bout time the rules were changed methinks. I just can't for the life of me work out why these matters take so long. Either the system or the people are useless - one or t'other, or both. Horlicks.

Thursday, May 11th - The RW came and we read the appointments bit, great, good luck to Paul Trend from Lyndhurst getting the Office job. Editorial was halfway good as well - also the report of our 1000ths ( albeit 2 months late) - then came the bombshell as we perused the peal pages. The whole Yorkshire tour peals were duplicated - all 11 of them - and they were only in last week! That'll really bugger up Andrew Craddock's computer. All this on top of Alan Buswell's letter moaning about dupes in the quarter columns. Cor, he'll have a field day - probably choking on his cornflakes. Another thing - have you noticed the hiking up of the charges for the grabbers days - kindly labelled Open or Fundraising Days? - I've nothing against charging for the use of bells and fittings but when its coupled to crap ringing I draw the line. If you take your own band in order to get some good ringing you end up getting called elitist - I think it better to stay at home, or just be the driver for Marg when she wishes to indulge herself. Lastly, the classic back page - Bob Southwood's - God moves in a mysterious way - under which was published the latest regarding the RW Board epic - John Anderson to review the situation? - yes, indeed, God does move in a mysterious way !! but I didn't realise he crapped on his own doorstep.

Friday, May 12th - Good news - The CX decided to fire up again - this was after a morning spent draining the petrol tank of fuel that was 50% water !! I'd checked everything else and Marg had reported smelling petrol but when I disconnected the fuel pipe and turned the motor over the stuff was water spewing out the end of the pipe! So all that's left to do now is sort the front wiper which has seized on its shaft. Also inform Mike Stone that I have started clearing up the workshop !!! There are clear spaces - there will be even more tomorrow when MRTH's portable 8 have gone. Not much RW debate on the chatline today! More concerned with James George's dick, wondering who could perform such a feat in this day and age. Handy to have 3 hands on occasions though.

Saturday, May 13th - Whizzed over to Ston Easton to listen to the long length - (just a long length now as Martin Whiteleys's band rang the 21 methods a bit ago. Martin stated that he had sent a 2 liner for the RW back page but it was not published) - an extent each of 17 plain methods - Just heard the end of the 2nd extent - 3rd Windermere - 4th Bala - and the start of the 5th Horsmonden - then we went home secure in the knowledge that the hardest methods were over. Silly me - this motor turns up at Piglet and out pops Brian Woodruffe - 'Nah, lost it in the 5th extent' says he. 'Wotcha mean', says I, 'We heard the first half of the extent'. 'yers not long after that' says he. Apparently the ringing was good in the pub though. So there we are at home chatting about the RW and the Records Committee and all the things we think need looking into when Matthew's white van roars down the lane. 'Come to pick up me bells', says he. So we all waded in and loaded up the van with the portable 8 which is being delivered to the continent tomorrow in the capable hands of globe-trotter Monsewer M J Stone.

Sunday, May 14th - After a day at home we decided to go to the practice at Southampton Uni in the evening. The weather was cracking. The experience confirmed my ages long held feeling that most practices are a waste of time. Apart from the ringing it was amusing to watch the naive power ploys and try to unravel the various positions people were assuming. I 'spose its natural in a way as young people have to find their feet in the big wide world but I have to admit I find it entertaining.

Monday, May 15th + Tuesday, May 16th - Both no ringing days with the time being filled by - MOT ing the BX - sorting the annoying odds and ends out on the CX - deciding what to throw away from the workshop, like do I throw away those bent forks from a 350 Morini or keep them and get them straightened? After all they might come in useful? Apart from all that I read a novel by Allan Prior about Adolf Hitler - All events factual with what might have been the personal view of the dictator threaded through. Very good. I get these books from The Somerset Mobile Library which call at Piglet fortnightly - good ennit?

Wednesday, May 17th - We lost Surprise Minor (17m) tonight after 2160 changes. We didn't like Netherseale to Stamford! Oh dear. All this after a day spent in Hampshire - this morning at Brockenhurst with the W & P practice lot which included our dear old friend Reg Reed, to say nothing of our other dear old friend - long pockets Jackson. We had some very enjoyable Cambridge and as soon as young Jim fixes us with a peal there the better. Lunch in 'The Filly' just down the road coupled with an ice cream in Lymington, then off to Newbridge Close where we rang a 2576 Plain Bob Major in hand which happened to be the longest lengths in hand for both Rex Corke and Brigit Lyne. Watch this space for their first hb peals.

Thursday, May 18th - Wedmore - 5040 Plain Bob Major in hand in 2h10 called by Tom. This was after a day spent with the lovely Susan and getting a new petrol filler cap for the CX - the two incidents are unrelated.

Friday, May 19th - A quiet day at Piglet.

Saturday, May 19th - Micheldever - 5040 Plain Bob Major in hand in 2h07 called by Tom. This was specially arranged for David Forder. The last time he had rung a handbell peal was 1965 !! After lunch provided by Joyce we repaired to Hurstbourne Priors to judge the W & P 8 bell striking competition. Four teams - no bad ringing - peal speeds varied from 3h10 speed for Winchester Cath to 2h48 for Bishopstoke. I'm sorry to say that we placed our old home tower second to Hursley who rang some spanking Cambridge S Major. Roy and I commiserated in the pub afterwards. Steph didn't seem to mind as she bashed hell out of Matthew with her pool stick !

Sunday, May 21st - Margaret went down to Southampton for the first attempt on the Hartley twelve at the University. They rang 5037 Grandsire Cinques in 2h42 called by Nicholas Kimber. Matthew and I listened to about 2/3rds of the peal and have to report it was good effort. Nick was on top of it all and brooked no interference !! He called Albert Tyler's 5 part. It was interesting in that the band consisted of 1 Founder member, 5 past members and 6 present members, very representative. The big bell rhythm through the tittums, whittingtons and handstrokes was very good and I must say I enjoyed listening. After the peal we visited the lovely Vivien in Kingsworthy who gave us a spectacular supper.

Monday, May 22nd - Spent the morning in the campanile and workshop, fettling and clearing. The afternoon was spent dismantling the twin choke Weber carb from off the CX - God, are they complicated ! Anyway after cleaning all the jets and galleries I reassembled it and fitted the blessed thing - guess what - it now runs very well - a 1000rpm tickover and clean pick up through the range. I'm sort of pleased but still have a sky falling in feeling about it all - strange. The evening was used up on the phone peal fixing.

Tuesday, May 23rd - Pig-le-Tower - 5184 Cambridge Surprise Major in 1h52 called by Tom. This peal was arranged for Pat Jones so that she could ring her first peal on small bells. Needless to say she took to it like a duck to water and a very good peal was rung. I called Graham John's 6 part which I reckon is the best comp in the method you can get !! Must get to bed early as we have a busy day tomorrow. Ni nightee. Please welcome Mr & Mrs Snockers and their lovely daughter Norma.

Wednesday, May 24th - Piglet - Record peal of 10080 St Clements C B Minor in hand in 3h50 called by Brian Woodruffe. Umpired by Mike Stone this was a very good peal, complete with aircraft noises, passing tractors and milk lorries! Chester got really pissed off on account he wasn't allowed in the room so he pretended to stalk things in the short grass outside! After the peal a phone call from my friend the W Bro of Bury St Edmunds - apparently he is going to sit in the CC Meeting complete with laptop and modem just to keep us all informed. Isn't that nice of him ?? Just think it will be nice to have some more rules passed after plenty of navel scrutiny and head scratching. I wonder how many will be saying - Baaah, baah baaah ?? But just maybe a black one will be there - eh ? - well we can live in hope.

Thursday, May 25th - Wedmore - 5088 Kent T B Major in hand in 2h14 called by Barrie Hendry. Especially for Nelson this was, he rings 3-4 and knows the tune !! This after an afternoon spent with the lovely Susan - yes, she's still about - and a good read of the RW. I liked Don Morrison's article - and wondered about Andrew Wilby's reply - If only that had been published back along instead of the crap we got - well what a difference it would have made - shame it wasn't the official line though. Did you find the masthead history interesting ? I liked the peal pages best of all, they are so full of excellent performances, its great. Much better than those quarters, all bunched up and only there for the people to see their own names. Why do they ring quarters? is it because the attention span won't stretch to a peal ? We should be told. Anne Carpenter has moved into her new abode, but she's having trouble with the wattle and daub drying out. She said the telephone didn't work but it turned out that one of the cans had come off the string.

Friday, May 26th - No ringing but an awful lot of mudslinging on the 'Chat-line'. Just to think the 'Loveless Papers' will go down in the annals of history as the straw that broke that particular camel's back. It was good to see Robert Lewis replying to what had been referred to as 'snide' comments from some chat-line correspondents. The more the merrier I say. One of these days we may get the events at the RW in true perspective, I think the kettle was boiling well before John's letter as the knee jerk and ill considered (by both sides) replies have shown. But we are sure that our representatives will come back from the CC meeting with all the answers - the debate having, of course, been fully aired ! Don't hold your breath eh ??

Saturday, May 27th - We went to S Petherton for Stedman Cinques - met one short - but luckily Ralph Edwards was there to listen and he agreed to ring a quarter which we did. Afterwards we whizzed off to The Poullett Arms at Lopen for David Purnell's 60th birthday bash. As they say ' Everybody was there dear' and we had a jolly time. Christine Andrews and Marg rang 'Happy Birthday' on handbells for him and he rang a rough course of Bob Major on 7-8. Made his day !! The Bass was off.

Sunday, May 28th - Pig-le-Tower - A two peal day - 5088 Uxbridge Surprise Major in 1h48 called by Richard Newman. Then a spot to eat and a 5088 Yorkshire Surprise Major in 1h46 called by Chris Field. This was Chris's first S Major as conductor. Thanks are due to Rob (morning) & Adrian Beck (afternoon) for standing in at very short notice as Wendy Bishop who would have taken part suffered a crash in her motor earlier in the day. The air-bag worked and she reported that apart from bruises and a good shaking up she was otherwise OK.

Monday, May 29th - I spent the day as driver to Marg who had decided that the Dunster Branch Open Day would be a good thing. She rang at Brushford, Dulverton, Hawkridge and Withypool before we had to rush back to Piglet in order to open up the campanile for a visit by a 53 seater coach ! - in our lane, can you imagine it? It had been organised by Brian and Barbara Wylde. After some considerable teaching they just managed rounds and a course of Bob Doubles. A churchwarden (non ringer) from Middlezoy was impressed by the facility and wondered if we minded all these strangers invading our premises !!

Tuesday, May 30th - No ringing today but some interesting bits on the chat-list regarding the CC Meeting. It would appear that the RW debate will continue in spite of all the efforts to gag. Otherwise it would seem that the occasion lived up to its dull as ditchwater reputation. I phoned Wendy Bishop to ask how she was after her crash and she seems OK - I wouldn't want to face her (if I was in the other car) when she is really better !! The bloody central heating packed up today and the man reckons we'll need a new indirect tank - hohum - it never rains but what it pours.

Wednesday, May 31st - We lost 17 methods Spliced Surprise Minor here this morning. Foggy heads being the main cause - slips in Lightfoot group places are tricky at 46 cpm.! However the day was not lost as Mike Stone and myself spent our time clearing the main bulk of crap out of the workshop and having a truly megaton bonfire. The area is now almost habitable with acres of space. Repeat to myself - I must not fill it with crap again - well you can live in hopes can't you ??

Thursday, June 1st - We all lost an old friend today with the death of Frank D Mack from Exmouth. He'd been ill for a couple of months and had missed the first Tuesday peals here. We in turn were lucky enough to have rung peals on both sets of Frank's bells - Cambridge S Minor on the Garage Ring and Grandsire Caters on the Bedroom 10. Our condolences and best wishes go out to Mary and Frank's children.

Friday, June 2nd - After a lazy morning we trolleyed up to Thatcham - 5040 Gweal Surprise Royal in 2h46 called by Bill Butler. That was good but then they all disappear !! We were expecting - see you at the Feathers or wherever - but when we got to the car we were on our own ?? I asked Peter Bridle and he confirmed that this was normal. So we ambled along the A4 to Corsham turned left for Bradford and home.

Saturday, June 3rd - Piglet - 5050 Kent T B Minor in hand in 1h54 called by Tom. Arranged for John Croft as he still isn't fully recovered from his long bout of guts trouble. But as usual a very good peal - I'll have to learn more than my usual 2 extents sometime I 'spose. I actually cut the grass this evening - it was just dry enough !! The workshop clearing has slowed down now to sorting tools, equipment etc. What do I keep or bin ?? But the floor is so clear you could hold a barn dance here now, have to have words with Wurzel. The chat-list had a reference to one erstwhile W&P ringer, who apparently moved for next business at the CC meeting during the great RW debate! You are invited to view http://www.equinelaw.co.uk and click on Dr Barry F Peachey - the list comment was that the guy is a total prat. Have a look at the web page and see if you agree ??? I went into the field and asked the two ponies there if he was any good and they both said ' Neigh'.

Sunday, June 4th - Thanks for all your cards and wishes re our Ruby Wedding Anniversary today. We had 17 for Dinner at 'The Somerset Arms' at Maiden Bradley, mainly consisting of immediate family ie, My Mum (88), children and partners, my sister and her husband, Chris Kippin (best man) and Heather, T & M and 6 who were at the wedding! The old photos were smiled at along with the cine film footage (since converted to video). Then all back to Piglet, cups of tea and enough ringers to ring the back six to some Cambridge Minor. Chat, more chat then teatime. You get the picture. The kids and family gave us a present which was just an envelope, when Marg opened it a booking for two nights at the place we stayed for the first night of our honeymoon dropped out! So we are having a holiday after all !!

Monday, June 5th - We seemed to be clearing up after yesterday all day ! I can report a good bonfire and later Marg found her 1960 diary. All details where we stayed and rung were found and I think she wants to revisit them this year! I think that's a bit sad, but if thats what she wants then sobeit. I do remember Ormskirk as being a bit good though.

Tuesday, June 6th - 5024 Cambridge Surprise Major in 1h45 called by Brian Mountjoy. This was an In Memoriam peal for Frank D Mack by the regular first Tuesday band of which Frank was a member. It was rung with panache and really enjoyed by all - a proper ringer's send off.

Wednesday, June 7th - We went down to Withycombe Raleigh for Frank's funeral. These occasions are bizarre. I s'pose its because we've never found a better way to say goodbye? Trouble was we had a tonsil strangling tenor in our row. Great to see old friends and wind up the tea ladies afterwards. Had a good chat with John Baldwin ! But didn't see Robert the Ed.

Thursday, June 8th - We lost the handbell peal at Wedmore - a very ambitious comp. with tenors split to get 144 cru's proved too great a task. Always a method or comp too far !! Very quiet down here at the moment - seems they are all on holiday.

Friday, June 9th & Saturday, June 10th - Spent at Piglet - clearing up, gardening, reading books, thinking about crumpet, looking at the 350 KTM and searching for new methods worth ringing. Phew, it makes me tired just typing this. I think the bonfire has just gone out, its been smouldering for the best part of a fortnight, much to Marg's disgust. As I said - very quiet.

Sunday, June 11th - Dedication of the five at Farleigh Hungerford. Just a bit holy for my taste but all went off OK. The clergy and the organist buggered up the ringing during the service but afterwards was alright. They also gave us a cup of tea and a biccy. Go there, they are a good five.

Monday, June 12th - Piglet - 5056 Kent T B Major in hand in 2h20 called by Barrie Hendry. A 144cru peal by David Beard was used for this peal, a sort of a three part with the tenors split to get the 144 in the length. Whilst this was going on the central heating people were fitting a new indirect cylinder upstairs ! They were pretty quite though.

Tuesday, June 13th - Pig-le-Tower - 5184 Pudsey Surprise Major in 1h45 called by Graham John. This was one of Graham's specials and has heaps more music than other peals of Pudsey I've rung. A spanking peal with just the odd trip which makes ringing this crummy method worthwhile for a change. 420 beats per minute. Have just read that men who look at female breasts give themselves the equivalent of a 20 minute aerobic lesson. The activity prolongs life and reduces stress. All I can say is that how come it took them so long to realise ?? I twigged it at seven years old ! I think we ought to have a vote on who has the most lookable breasts in ringing?

Wednesday, June 14th - Marg had arranged the annual visit of people married in 1960 and altogether we had 10 in the party. We rang in the morning before partaking of a super dinner at 'The Bell, Rode'. Two quarters were lost later due to downed bells but the handbell ringing was good. Part of the occasion was the perusal of old wedding photos !! I had an email from John Loveless who suggested that we ought to run a breast survey complete with photos. Fine by me, just send them in and I'll stick them up on the page. I wonder did anyone take a piccy of the 'Hunslet Dumplings' last Bishopstoke outing ??

Thursday, June 15th - Handbell practice at Wedmore - we managed Cambridge, Bourne, Netherseale and Norwich.

Friday, June 16th - Went on a day grab organised by Roger Fox. Lydeard St Lawrence, Sampford Brett. Then a cracking lunch at 'The Valiant Soldier' at Roadwater before ringing at Luxborough and Withypool. Tea was supplied on the hills overlooking the Bristol Channel at Roger and Jenny Fox's retreat. Magic.

Saturday, June 17th - Another day grab organised by Rex Corke which was a Lymington, Hants. day out. We started at Toller Porcorum before lunch at the 'Green Dragon' at Combe St Nicholas pre-ringing there. Chard followed and then tea at Steve & Barbara Hyde-Gregory's place, after which we repaired to Limimgton, Somerset (the reason for the day out). They have mostly a millennium band with a couple of youngsters who of course are outstripping the adult learners. We wish them all well and hope they learn enough of the joys of ringing to stay the course. There have been several suggestions for the 'Lookable Breasts' survey which have proved to be too close to home! On the other hand I have received no piccy's.

Sunday, Jun 18th - Stoulton, Worcs - Arthur Jopp's famous campanile - 5040 Surprise Minor (2m) in 1h54 called by Matthew Higby. Rung in memory of Frank Mack by fellow small bell owners. We were going to ring Grandsire Triples but this was postponed as Arthur was wilting a trifle in this present heatwave. Ill wind as they say, 'cos we can return later for the triples when its cooler. In the meantime I'll dream of frayed shorts !!

Monday, June 19th - Another quiet day recovering from the last 3 hectic ones. Mowed the grass before the inevitable downpour tomorrow. I also received the bill for the indirect cylinder replacement - best part of ?600 quid! Is that right ? Bloody thing must be made of gold. Bugger,'cos that money was going to be used for a set of new boots for the CX and its insurance and its tax. Oh well, just have to wait a bit longer. Marg's got her head down today - frantically scribbling leads of Glasgow for tomorrow! We shall find out later whether its a gx or just a g method !

Tuesday, June 20th - Pig-le-Tower - 5152 Glasgow Surprise Major in 1h53 called by Roy LeMarechal. Our first of Glasgow after nearly 40 years when we used to practice it at Bishopstoke in the early 60's but never got round to ringing a peal. I thoroughly enjoyed it but Marg said she needed more practice as she had to concentrate more than normal !! After the peal Roy had to rush to the house, no, not for what you might think, but to see England get beat 3-2 in the Euro thingy. Footballs a team game but ringing beats it hollow.

Wednesday, June 21st - A momentous decision today - after dismissing the 'freebies' for the last couple of years I received a CD from Supanet endorsed by our leaders, Rt Hon Tony Blair, The Prime Minister and David Blunkett MP, Secretary of State for Education and Employment. Well, I mean you just can't ignore such pleas, can you? So I loaded the stuff and got on with it. After a bit of headscratching and fingerpoking we now have another email address and another website. I will run both ISP's together for a month or so and then cancel my Compuserve subscription, hopefully saving $9.95 a month. We'll see eh?

Thursday, June 22nd. - Wedmore - We rang two extents of Spliced S Minor (3m) - It won't be long now to a peal. Marg and I find the discipline exiting. Hohum. RW this week, Andrew Craddock's peal to publish data, I find strange as all my peals are emailed direct to the RW on the day they are rung. Also Barrie Hendry's peals are for the most part sent the same way. So how come the delay between the two of us?? Perhaps Andrew should be noting the time it takes the RW to handle from receipt to publishing? Mind you the procedures did go a bit pear-shaped as from last August. Have to have a word with Liz I 'spose.

Friday, June 23rd - Stayed at Piglet - cut the grass and generally had a quiet day.

Saturday, June 24th - Marg's 65th birthday. We started the day by going to Southampton where Marg had fixed 2 quarters on the Hartley 12. Grandsire Cinques followed by a pub lunch then Grandsire Caters followed by tea and cake afterwards. Thanks to Roy LeMarechal for constructing both and Charlotte Edmond for the fixing at the Uni. Roger Savory from America was picked up and we all whizzed back to Piglet. The evening was spent in 'The White Hart', Trudoxhill as a surprise for Marg. She was gobsmacked. I'd arranged to have people representative of every decade since the 40's there. It was a great evening which didn't finish until 1.30am Sunday!

Sunday, June 25th - Pig-le-Tower - 11424 Whitwick Surprise Major in 4h15 called by Brian J Woodruffe. This peal was rung to celebrate Marg's birthday whilst she and Roger Savory were umpiring. Excellent peal and another new record. Brian has called eight record lengths here now. We travelled over to Chilcompton to listen to the last two extents of a peal of S Minor (10m) which Roy LeMarechal called. The Beck boys were in both peals today , a total of 16464 changes. Then we all went to the 'Somerset Wagon' - Wadworths IPA I'm told ! They all seemed to enjoy it.

Monday, June 26th - Nice easy day - pub lunch - tidy ringing room - check bells - watch crap on Wimbledon. Omigawd! Absolutely nothing contentious to report.

Tuesday, June 27th - Pig-le-Tower - 5056 Superlative Surprise Major in 1h48 called by Brian Mountjoy. This peal was arranged for Pat Jones as she hadn't rung the method before. Pat rang the 7th and Marg the tenor, a good pairing as the rhythm was excellent. Mike Stone and Roger Savory went down to Bishopstoke for a CY peal of Stedman Caters which was lost after two and a bit hours. They were not happy bunnies on their returning to Piglet !! Roy will tell me what happened I'm sure.

Wednesday, June 28th - Piglet - 5040 Minor (4m) in hand in 1h53 called by Tom. We just sat down and rang this peal in the morning, Roger had not rung Oxford or Kent TB or St Clements before. The afternoon was spent with the lovely Susan and we finished off a good day with a Chinky take-away.

Thursday, June 29th - Piglet - 5040 Plain Bob Major in hand in 2h14 called by Roger Savory. It was good to ring a peal of Major here with Chris O'Mahony and Roger conducting. We had good rhythm and few mistakes. I enjoyed it. Roger and Marg have now rung 99 peals together. 'Spoke to Gerald Hemming who is going to fix up something for us later in the year.

Friday, Jun 30th - Piglet - We lost the long length of St Clements on handbells with Bernard Groves and Brian Woodruffe. Roger was umpiring but we had a swop after an hours ringing. After a cup of tea etc. we decided to go for Grandsire Caters with Roger ringing, all was fine for 34 courses, the brain fade set in and a bob at 4 was missed eop. I've told Marg to get rid of all the ally pots and only use cast iron and ceramic pots in future !! The St Clements will be attempted again shortly.

Saturday, July 1st - Up early and whizz down to Micheldever for a 5040 Plain Bob Major in hand in 2h10 called by John Croft. Then after a quick bite down to Winchester for the W & P AGM. Disappointing. Very few people and held in the Cathedral refectory. Useless venue with all the problems of parking in a busy city. No wonder folks voted with their feet. A highlight was some performers on what looked like pole vaulting poles doing movement to music on the Cathedral green outside the west door. Very impressive. We then shot off to Lower Upham where Graham Wright had erected his portable six for a fete the next day - this gave Roger a chance to grab another small ring! After another cuppa we repaired to 'The Bridge' at Shawford where Margaret Wolverson had arranged a BBQ - this was brilliant - super grub and good company - quite the highlight of the day.

Sunday, July 2nd - We lost Pudsey S Major in the afternoon due to brainfade and resulting in a swop. After a bit of refreshment we rang a quarter just to prove we could ring the method. It was great to see Chris Caton back in action again. This means that Roger Savory will go back to the USA without a peal on the campanile. Still, he's back in October.

Monday, July 3rd - We lost Gainsborough L B Major on handbells to day! Somehow we has a 3 bell swop near halfway, and it wasn't the case of a missed bob. We drowned our sorrows with tea and ended up watching Tim Henman go out of this years Wimbledon.

Tuesday, July 4th - Pig-le-Tower - 5040 London Surprise Minor in 1h44 called by Brian Mountjoy. This should have been an attempt for Quornden S Major with the Devon Boys but unfortunately they were unable to came at the last minute. An evening after a day spent driving to Heathrow to get Roger on his airybuzzer bound for good ol' U S of A and back. I hate motorways. I hate London. I hate airports of all sizes. They put the fear of God into me. But I like ringing peals on small bells, ha ha so there.

Wednesday, July 5th - Another quiet no-ringing day. Lots of phone calls as I am starting to put bands together again after all the things that have happened this year. We went to Witham Friary to see son Chris, he was out but Seona looked after us. Chris has bought a book entitled 'Boring Postcards' its a hoot. If you get a chance to flick through it do so - great fun. Has anyone got a decent comp. of Ingoldmells S 8 ?? If so, give me a bell.

Thursday, July 6th - Wedmore - we had another handbell practice ringing Spliced Surprise Minor (3m). This is going quite well and hopefully we will ring a peal before the year is out. This weeks RW became Picture post with the piccys of all the 12 bell bands at Birmingham. I liked it but was disappointed with the severe lack of crumpet. I was amused with the way the editor has worked his name onto the front page. I think he should make it bigger!

Friday, July 7th - We had another handbell practice today at Chris and Claire O'Mahony's at Beckington. Most encouraging. We hear also that some antipodean limpets casting long shadows are appearing all over the place! Had a visit from George Wareham from the other Marston Bigot tower, good news, all I can say at this point is that the grabbers might have to amend their records and pay a visit in the near future. Listen, did you see the Pat Rafter v Andre Aggasi semi-final on the box today? That was the best match of tennis I think I've ever seen. Mind you those Venus jobbies are pretty awesome. Also on the grapevine today - The Coleridge Campanile is on the move again - does that mean that there was and will be just the one peal on them in the USA??

Saturday, July 8th - Weston super Mare - 5088 London Surprise Major in 2h46 called by Richard Newman. Funny start time of 12 noon. It means finishing starving - nothing since breakfast! A swift visit to the pub and a whizz back to Piglet as the band was coming for a quarter of Yorkshire S 8 on the campanile. This had been arranged by Richard especially for Chris Slade. After a short practice Sue Field called a 1250, her first as conductor. As I've said before - bully for her!! She also provided the most wonderful pasties for supper.

Sunday, July 9th - What a day - Southampton, Hartley 12 - 5040 Kent T B Maximus in 2h29 called by Roy LeMarechal. It took an hour for the band to really settle, the rest I really enjoyed. After a cup of tea and some nosh at Charlotte's place we trolleyed down to Gosport for a quarter of Yorkshire S 8 on Stephen Hough's Jack and Jill House campanile. With a tenor weight of 10ozs. they are superb. Matthew and I couldn't take the grin off our faces. We rang them at Piglet speed and completed a 1250 in 26 mins. Getting 8 people in a Wendy house is intimate and leads to lots of ribald comments!! The only drawback being that the treble needs to be rung by a flat chested female. I don't think Graham Wright qualifies and the girls in the band didn't either!

Of course every good thing has to be balanced, the bad thing for us today was a report from one of my stringers who had yesterday attended the Cumberlands' Country Meeting at Leicester. Apparently our esteemed chairman of the CC Records committee was heard to be slagging peals and long lengths on small bells. Deeming them 'demeaning'. That's good from someone who has never rung here. So, I hereby invite and challenge him to attempt both a peal and long length at Pig-le-Tower. I'm sure Brian Woodruffe would be glad to fix up such attempts. So get your finger out 'Sibbo' let's see if you can keep up with us, we are fed up with people going off half-cocked !!

Monday, July 10th - A nice quiet day getting over the weekend! We had visitors in the shape of MRTH, CEE and young Jen, late of Chilly but now living in the frozen north over the border. The five of us rang the eight.

Tuesday, July 11th - Pig-le-Tower - 5024 Rutland Surprise Major in 1h37 called by Graham John. Another GACJ comp. rung at a bli