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Four years on the A272

We started at the Eastern end of the road at X-in-Hand (S.8) in April 2003, through Buxted (S.8), crossed the Ouse (S.8), over the Meridian (S.8) and on into Cuckfield (S.8) and Bolney (S.8).  Next came Knepp Castle (D.8), Billingshurst (S.8) and Wisborough Green (S.6), then past Hawkhurst (B.7) Court tucked away in the ancient woods.  Nearby is Little Bognor (S.8) and so on into Petworth (S.8).  A lot to do here here with Petworth Castle (D.8) to see and attending the Petworth Festival (D.8) of course.  Legend has it that a cart passing through in the 17 century got so lost and is still trying to find the way out. A bit like the HGV’s of today!  We extricate ourselves and onwards to the small villages of Tillington (B.6) and Lodsworth (S.6).

The next part of the journey takes us near Selham Castle (D.8) and nearby Verdley Castle (D.8) which Cromwell was reputed to use as a hunting lodge but nothing remains today of this.  However Cowdray Castle (D.8) is currently being spruced up for opening later this year.  Midhurst Castle (D.8) looks over Midhurst (S.8) town.  Down the road in more woods is Quaggs Corner (S.8) and then Rogate Castle (D.8).  To the South is the hamlet of Quebec (D.8) and then into Petersfield (S.8). 

The next stretch of the road through Stroud (S.8) passes Steep (S.6) and Froxfielde (S.8) or should it be Froxfield (S.6)?  The redundant Church tower at Privett (S.8) overlooks the road as we head to Hinton (S.8) Ampner and over a tributary of the Meon Little (S.8).  Close by is Cheriton (S.6), the latter renowned for The Flowerpots and its home brewed ale, suitable refreshment on our way to Winchester (S.8).

In Winchester (D.8) the old A272 seems to disappear but those of us with long memories of ringing tours remember the old route through Crawley (S.8) and past Littleton (B.8).  Close by is Sparsholt (B.8) with its famous agricultural college, suitably transposed for ringing courses each year.  So finally in February 2007 after nearly four years the end of our journey comes into view with Stockbridge (TB.6).

Great fun; thirty seven quarters in all which required learning methods one would not ring in the normal course of events.  Some were very “interesting” to ring as well as a few particularly musical ones. 

The core band consisted of David & Jenny Smith, Colin (our resident conductor) and Sue Spencer, Hamish McNaughton, Ian Hastilow, Gareth Higgs, Joan Peel and myself.  Assistance in making up numbers when required was ably provided by Margaret and Ian Oram, George Francis, Bill Harris, Martin Harbord, Mike Wake, Sonia Rix, Simon Alford, Jonathan Franklin, Sue Meyer, Ron Diserens and Richard Verrall to whom we say many thanks.

Twenty two of the quarters were rung at Petworth and the other fifteen rung in Hants, Berks and Sussex.

And yes, we are starting out on yet another method series.

Geoff Rix, Petworth


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