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A visit from the new Vicar

On Monday 17th March, our usual Monday evening practice had the honour of entertaining our forthcoming new Vicar Revd Hugh Thomas.

It is customary for the incoming Vicar to chime one of the bells at his induction ceremony but, in this case, Revd Thomas is a competent ringer and plans to fully ring the 6th (the bell which gives the best view for the congregation). He joined us in some rounds and covering for some methods.

And, when we concluded the practice session and went for a debrief and refreshments at the Castle Inn, we were delighted that he joined us.

The Collation and Induction will be held on the 23rd March at 3pm and will be led by Bishop Mary Gregory.

The band will be there to support the occasion by ringing a Quarter Peal before the ceremony starts.

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Quarter Peal

On Sunday 5th January 2025, a quarter peal of 1260 Plain Bob Doubles was rung at the Hurst tower.

This was the first quarter peal by a band comprising only Hurst ringers for a long time and included a couple of firsts:

  • First quarter peal away from cover by Keith
  • First quarter peal inside from Duncan

The performance was observed by Simon, who also graciously stood down to allow Duncan to ring.

Link to Bellboard

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Quarter Peal

On 29th December 2023, a Quarter Peal was rung comprising 1260 changes of Plain Bob Doubles.

This was the first Quarter Peal by a local band for many years, and marked a number of firsts:

  • First quarter peal by Chantal
  • First quarter peal inside by Simon
  • First quarter peal away from cover by Duncan

The successful quarter peal was celebrated with a visit to The Castle Inn.

Link to Bellboard

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Oxford Tower Visit

On the 28th September 2024, the Hurst Tower had a tour of several towers in Oxford, supported by local ringers from other nearby towers, including Twyford, Arborfield, and Sonning.

The towers visited were:

  • St Giles’ Church, Oxford (8, 14-0-1)
  • Magdalen College (10, 17-1-7)
  • Saint Mary Magdalen
  • Lincoln College (8, 7-2-4)
  • St. Mary Magdalen (10, 7-1-12)
  • Carfax Tower (6, 15-0-22)

Lunch was held at St. Aldates Tavern in the City Centre.

The day was very successful and we all enjoyed visiting these towers and ringing their bells.

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Hurst Show 2024 – Mobile Belfry

One the weekend of 29th-30th June 2024, the Hurst tower arranged for a mobile belfry to be set up as one of the attractions at the Hurst Show.

The mobile belfry was erected on the Saturday morning, and then attended and rung by various ringers from nearby towers, who provided information and assistance to members of the public, including training for members of the public wishing to have a go at ringing.

The event was a great success with many people providing feedback, and several people registered their interest in learning to ring, including two for Hurst tower.

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The Walnuts with Bells On

On the 15th June 2024 the band participated in The Walnuts with Bells On, a local charity event raising funds for Alzheimer’s research and also funds to support St Nicholas Church.

The event started at The Castle Inn with pizza and drinks to the sound of the fiddle. Then we rang the bells starting at 7pm to call people across to the church ready for the main event at 7:30, a summer’s evening of Celtic Funk, Folk and Americana, topped up with fun and games, with bells on, featuring local folk band The Walnuts.