Master's Musings January 2014

Just an update on the Christmas presents that I was trying to finish when I wrote my last Musings. I put the last stitch in at 1 a.m. on 28 December, the day the Grandchildren were arriving. Two knitted blankets were then ready for wrapping. It was all well worthwhile to see their faces when the presents were opened. The blankets were in evidence the rest of the holiday.

Congratulations must go to Leslie Weller who was awarded an MBE for his work over thirty years of fund raising for the restoration of Chichester Cathedral. Do read about Leslie’s exploits in his younger days with some other wellknown ringers in the latest edition of Soundbow.

I am sitting in the lounge in front of the fire with the wind roaring away with our holiday to Cape Verde very much still in mind thinking of the sunshine and warmth. Fortunately the visits to the Chiropractor enabled me to enjoy quite a lot of walking albeit over quite rough ground. When we arrived at the hotel the only other English couple co-incidentally were Linda and John Perkins from Seaford. We were able to join each other for meals for the days we overlapped and once they left we were the only English there. A lovely holiday having a well earned rest!

I understand that there was a reasonable response to the Quarter Peal week but have not caught up with all the quarters rung yet. I hope that you were able to ring something that you had been practicing.

Soundbow was sitting on the doorstep when I arrived home and having quickly skimmed through it - another very good and interesting publication. Seeing some of the old photographs set me thinking. How many of us have some interesting old photographs of past ringers? I mentioned this at the Publicity Committee this week and the idea caught the imagination of some of the group. If you have any either let Kathy Howard – Publicity Officer or me have a copy together with names, if remembered, and perhaps a couple of sentences about the occasion. These could be collected and, maybe, eventually added to the Website.

Have you looked at the Roll of Honour on the Website? What an excellent record and our thanks must go to Alan Seymour of Burgess Hill for such a brilliant piece of work. I know that the subject is close to his heart and this certainly shows. If you can help him with further information do contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . He will pleased receive any further information.

At home just after Christmas we had a small building project which entailed moving a lot of “clutter” out of the lounge. In “discussion” with Alan, I felt it would be a good idea to “declutter” during the year. Following on from the previous two paragraphs how much clutter do you have in your belfry. You may find some treasures!

The ADMs start tomorrow so I hope that you will be considering joining one of the Vision Teams. Are you too shy to volunteer? Think you are not sufficiently experienced in ringing? A variety of talents are required to steer the ship so please don’t hide your light under a bushel.

What is your personal ringing Vision for 2014? Mine is to visit as many towers as possible – mainly during the summer. I will let you know at the end of the year how I have done.

Enjoy your ringing.

Christine Baldock