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Final Contest

St Margaret, Leicester

Saturday 4 September 1976

Test Piece: 410 Stedman Cinques and Cambridge Surprise Maximus

Judges: Dr John Baldwin (Chief), Neil Bennett, Brian Harris

After last year's very successful competition held in Bristol, it was agreed that a similar event should be held in 1976 in a different area and perhaps extend the invitations to a larger number of 12-bell bands. The winners of last year's competition (Leicester) agreed to act as hosts, and a committee was set up consisting of R Kingsley Mason, Robert B Smith and Peter J Staniforth, to organise the event. The Vicar of St Margaret's (Rev Shirley Bennett) gave his consent for the use of the 12 bells, the date chosen being September 4. Permission was obtained to use the Joiners' Arms (close to St Margaret's) and the manager obtained an extension of licensing hours for the whole afternoon!

Although invitations were sent to a larger number of areas than the previous year, only the same five teams entered, representing ringers from in and round Birmingham, Bristol, Leicester, Reading and one from the Ancient Society of College Youths.

Discussion took place concering the test piece, and it was felt that some teams were at a disadvantage by having to ring Stedman Cinques, and would favour Cambridge S Maximus. It was decided to include both, the test piece to commence with what was virtually a bob course of Stedman, followed by a half course of Cambridge (410 changes).

Well before the appointed time for the draw (12 noon) a large gathering of ringers and supporters had assembled at the Joiners' Arms, and the president, Leicester D.G. (Roland H Cook), first addressed the gathering and afterwards made the draw. This resulted in Birmingham ringing first, followed by Leicester, the Ancient Society, Bristol and Reading. The judges were Dr John C Baldwin, Neil Bennett and Brian Harris, and at 1.30 p.m. the first team ascended and the competition was under way. There was a large number of competitors, listeners and spectators outside the tower during the whole proceedings. At 5 p.m. tea was served by the St Margaret's ringers and a raffle was drawn, for which a large number of prizes had been donated.

The Leicester Guild president introduced and thanked Mr Paul Taylor or Loughborough, the donor of the trophy which he was to present to the winning team, and also the Rev Shirley Bennett who distributed the certificates. He also expressed thanks to the Rev P Scott (St Margaret's) and Mr Robert B Pettifor for helping the committee, and the ladies for providing such an excellent tea. The company showed their appreciation in the usual way.

The judges were also introduced, and Brian Harris said that they were unanimous in their decision. Neil Bennett commented on the high standard which had been virtually free from mistakes, but they would have liked to have seen a more equal split in the number of changes for both methods. It seemed that the teams hardly had time to settle into a good Cinques rhythm before the change-over to Maximus. He gave general comments on the overall impression of the ringing for each team. John Baldwin then gave the results: 1 Birmingham (333 faults), 2 Leicester (184), 3 A S College Youths (231), 4 Bristol (448), 5 Reading (371).

Mr Paul Taylor then presented the trophy to the Leicester team's captain, Robert B Smith. Each ringer taking part received a certificate, and the task of compiling these was undertaken by John Adams (St Margaret's) and F Kevin Thompson (Barrow-on-Soar). The certificates were presented by the Rev Shirley Bennett to the team captains. Mr Richard Tibbetts (A.S.C.Y.) congratulated the winning team and said that he hoped it would be possible to arrange the competition in London next year.

This concluded the formal proceedings and the company dispersed, many assembling in the Joiners' Arms. It was agreed that a most enjoyable day had been spent.

R.H.C.

[RW Pg 791 September 24 1976]

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