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Final Contest

Birmingham Cathedral

Saturday 24 June 1978

Test Piece: 288 Cambridge Surprise Maximus

Judges: David E House (Chief), John H Fielden, Cyril Crossthwaite

As briefly reported in our Stop Press (p. 550), the fourth Annual 12-bell Striking Competition held on Midsummer Day (although it was more like early spring - cold and showery) was won in convincing style by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham, competing with seven other teams.

The fact that they were on their "home ground" (St Philip's Cathedral, Birmingham) must have been an advantage: nevertheless the majority of "listeners" were in no doubt that the striking was superior to the other teams taking part. St Martin's scored 77 points, eight more than the College Youths who were second. In 3rd place was Leicester (68); 4th St Paul's Cathedral (the only complete Sunday service team ever to compete) (63); 5th Cumberland Youths (61); 6th Bristol (59); 7th Derby (51) followed by Reading (48). The fact that fewer than 30 points separated the first and the last teams speaks well for the high standard of the competitors' ability.

After the ringing had finished (4.45) all went to the nearby Grand Hotel, where a suite of rooms with a bar (mainly soft drinks) had been booked, and tea and biscuits were also available. At 5.45 the judges (Messrs. Cyril Crossthwaite, John Fielden and David House) had made their assessments and placings, and John Anderson (Master, St Martin's Guild) introduced them, first extending apologies for the absence of the donor of the trophy - Paul Taylor, O.B.E., who was away on business.

Cyril Crossthwaite, who said it was his first ever effort at judging a 12-bell competition, have the general aspects of the teams' ringing, of the improvement as each half course of Cambridge Maximus progressed and the problems of the judges endeavouring to hear the bells clearly in the Provost's lodge whilst a "howling gale" and constant rumble of traffic interfered. There was no difficulty placing first and last teams, he said, but it was quite a problem sorting out the middle ones.

Variable Speeds

David House then enumerated the faults of each team in order of ringing, giving the time and variable speeds that would be taken for a peal.

John Fielden gave the placings, commencing with the lowest, and handing each team leader a certificate. The trophy, when received by the winning team's leader (Roderick Pipe), was held aloft by him in true winning style smidst the cheers and applause of the 150 of so present. Roddy then expressed pleasure and appreciation to all who had helped in any way organise the day, and thanked the three judges for their services. He said that next year the competition would be held in Reading, possibly in June. He felt that this national event was in every way getting better and better and helping to create greater interest and to improve the standards of 12-bell ringing. [Applause]

The organisers were John Anderson (master), Richard Grimmett and Roderick Pipe; stewards, John Illingworth (secretary) Sue Redmond, Chris Horton, Anne Toomer, Clifford Davies, Nigel Horton, Richard Jones, Nigel Herriott, Anne Barter, Janet Barter, Ruth Blackwell, Stephen Shipley, Eric Cole and Ruth Hawkins.

Recordings were made by Clive Smith and B.B.C. engineers, and a tombola to help defray expenses was organised and raised £40.

There was considerable amusement when, with the final two placings only to be announced, Jonathan Porter (College Youths' team leader) walked to the dais and stood awaiting the certificate for second placing. The College Youths have been runners-up for each of the four years that the competition has been taking place.

Ruth Hawkins (Knowle), who according to one Guild officer had worked like a Trojan, and in her own words "has never won a prize in her life", was on this occasion more fortunate. She won the bathroom scales in the tombola, but she has no problems of over-weight, being young and vivacious.

Everywhere there were high spirits, cheery conversation and kindness. Whilst the results were being announced there was hardly a sound, but each team was loudly applauded by fellow competitors, and the St Martin's Guild Master thanked everyone for supporting the competition so well.

One leading member of the Exercise confided that originally he was against any such competition being organised, but was now completely converted. Apart from the competitive spirit, there could be nothing but improved standards in 12-bell ringing as a result, he said - and we certainly endorse those sentiments.

[RW Pg 599 July 14 1978]

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