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SRCY qualify for National 12-bell striking contest final

 

The band representing the SRCY in the national 12-bell striking contest were placed second in the eliminator at Worcester All Saints on Saturday 29 March and will go forward to the final on 29 June at Lincoln.

The eliminator at Worcester had apparently been named "the eliminator of death" by some, due to the strength of the line-up: all 7 teams having been in the final over recent years. The SRCY band were drawn to ring second, following our friends from Stockton who had the pleasure of going first.

Our ringing was on the whole a good piece of competition ringing, although we knew we'd picked up a few faults here and there. The band felt well prepared for the competition and this helped us on the day although a few nerves prevented us from achieving our best ringing throughout the test piece. Churchyard punditry was favourable, but the majority of the band preferred to reserve judgement!

Being drawn early has the advantage that you can relax for the rest of the day and socialise. The wet and cold weather made the pub even more popular than usual and all the teams mingled during the day and caught up over a few drinks.

4pm was judgement time. All the ringing drew praise from the judges, but some common faults were highlighted. The SRCY ringing was described as "rhythmical, good ringing with no consistent errors". However, yet again Birmingham were out in front with a piece described as "enjoyable, with style and purpose". Something for us to aim for as we prepare for the final... we congratulated the Stockton band on qualifying behind us in third place - we're developing a healthy rivalry - see you at Lincoln!

Simon Holden

The band who rang at Worcester:
1. George Unsworth
2. Linda Garton
3. Joanne Fielding
4. Shirley McGill
5. Mary Holden
6. Alex Britton
7. John Loveless
8. Simon Holden (C)
9. Ian Mills
10. Alan Regin
11. Oliver Cross
12. Ian Fielding