Computers – don’t you love ‘em! I have had three weeks without the internet and only getting emails on my mobile which I could not respond to and had great difficulty in reading. Thank goodness I didn’t get rid of my old one as Alan had the bright idea that it might still work. It did. However, my “new” one is now able to enter the worldwideweb once again so here goes with my latest Musings.

A well attended meeting at Twineham was made even more of a pleasure when Alan and I met the daughter of a colleague of Alan’s from some years ago only to find that she and her husband are now learning to ring.

At the beginning of the school holidays our grandchildren came to stay – sans parents. We had a very busy time and needed a few days off once they went home. Like most people, we love all of our grandchildren but are pleased to be able to wave them goodbye until next time!

A trip north took Alan and me to Cowfold when a BBQ at the home of Anne and Guy Ekins was enjoyed by a good number. If only I had known that there was a swimming pool then I could have had a dip although Anne did have some spares but by the time I knew that it was time to leave for home.

You may remember that I mentioned Food Safety Handling test. Well I have been told that I passed although I still have to see the certificate. This stood me in good stead for being responsible for the cakes at puddings at the Holiday at Home at church. Three days of hard, but enjoyable, work.

Time for some spring cleaning as our friends from Germany, with their two daughters, came to stay for a week. The girls both wanted to practice their English and we had great fun with them and they taught us how to play UNO. It was then time for Alan and me to leave for the Magistrates’ Ringing Weekend in the Wirral where we met some new members of the group and renewed old acquaintances. We stayed on for a week and had a good rest. I managed a good amount of walking. Pudding one evening was apple and blackberries picked from along the Wirral Circular Trail.

On the way back from The Wirral Alan and I stopped off at the Roadshow. We arrived on the Friday to help Alan Collings put up his mini ring. All went well until one of the chains on the pulleys got stuck. However, Alan C, in his inimitable way, managed to get all the screws back in the right place and then we were back on track.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Roadshow. Most of the time was spent in meeting old friends and even looking after the Hastilow family’s bags whilst Angie took the children to the toilet as Ian was busy “grabbing” the mini rings. As I was standing in the food queue – the only disappointment of the day – behind me was a rather large (his words), tall chap. I did not recognise him but someone came along and said “Graham Elmes”. I rang with Graham whilst I was in Dorset almost fifty years ago. It was lovely to catch up with his family news etc..

As the Tour of Britain Cycle Race was due to come through Hailsham I approached the Mayor and offered to ring whilst the cyclists came through the town – what can be done is Yorkshire can be replicated in Hailsham! The suggestion was met with great enthusiasm and so an almost local well struck quarter was rung. The only downside was that I did not see the cyclists but you can’t it all ways.

You may wonder “Has she done any ringing?” True I have only managed two divisional meetings but I have lost four quarters of Triples – am trying to complete the eleven pure Triples methods but they are seemingly quite elusive. Hailsham ringers are still supporting and giving extra help to the new band at Ashburnham. This does mean a three hour session on Mondays but it is well worthwhile to see the progress and smiles. As our band at Hailsham is rather depleted at the moment it has helped us out.

CONGRATULATIONS to the team that took part in the Essex Trophy Striking Competition. They came third. Many thanks to Anne Franklin who kindly agreed to take on the responsibility of finding a team. Well done to you all.

Please make a real effort to attend the Extra General Meeting on Saturday 27 September at Hurstpierpoint. The Working Group for the Rules has worked very hard and managed to complete the task before the end of September, the date suggested at the AGM. Please do come as the future of the Association is in your hands.

Rushing off to practice so will finish now and enjoy your ringing.

Christine Baldock