Annual Newsletter January 2014 Web: http://www.sugcr.union.shef.ac.uk/ Email: [email protected]Dear SUGCR Friends, I’d first like to wish you a Happy 2014! In December I saw a heart-warming article in the Guardian which outlined the plight of Bradford’s only synagogue. Being relatively small in number, the Jewish community in the city had been unable to raise the funds needed to repair the damaged roof and the broken wall which held the Torah scroll. Facing closure they had little hope. This was until the city’s much larger Muslim population (Muslims outnumber Jews by 130,000 to just 300 in Bradford) joined their Jewish neighbours, using their influence to assist fund-raising bids. It is now believed they have sufficient funds to start the necessary repair work along with building lasting friendships across the religions. SUGCR is small in number. We currently have just five student ringers, and are due to see two of these members leave in the summer. We are no longer in the good old days of having 10 or 15 people at every practice and enough to ring 8 bells every Sunday. Maybe it’s temporary or perhaps it’s part of a general trend seen across the country. We rely heavily on the fantastic Sheffield ringing community, who join practices to boost our numbers, assist in service and wedding ringing, offer advice, and help teach us. In turn the SUGCR students are welcomed into practices across the city, and also provide valuable help in those towers. I would like to thank not only Pete McCoy and Simon Reading, but all ringers who help keep SUGCR active throughout the year. In November I sat the Module1 course of the ITTS Ringing Teachers course, and passed the initial theory test. I hope that by having these skills we will have at least one more person to call upon to teach newcomers to the hobby. In 2014 we have been invited to give a ringing demonstration in the Foyer of the new Student Union building, so maybe there is hope after all. As a final comment I would like to take the chance to remind you of the slightly earlier dinner date this year – Saturday 15 th February which makes closing dates for tickets February 1 st . I look forward to seeing you all there. Gill Murray NOTES FROM A PRESIDENT: Gill Murray
Dear SUGCR Friends, I’d first like to wish you a Happy 2014! In December I saw a heart-warming article in the Guardian which outlined the plight of Bradford’s only synagogue. Being relatively small in number, the Jewish community in the city had been unable to raise the funds needed to repair the damaged roof and the broken wall which held the Torah scroll. Facing closure they had little hope. This was until the city’s much larger Muslim population (Muslims outnumber Jews by 130,000 to just 300 in Bradford) joined their Jewish neighbours, using their influence to assist fund-raising bids. It is now believed they have sufficient funds to start the necessary repair work along with building lasting friendships across the religions. SUGCR is small in number. We currently have just five student ringers, and are due to see two of these members leave in the summer. We are no longer in the good old days of having 10 or 15 people at every practice and enough to ring 8 bells every Sunday. Maybe it’s temporary or perhaps it’s part of a general trend seen across the country. We rely heavily on the fantastic Sheffield ringing community, who join practices to boost our numbers, assist in service and wedding ringing, offer advice, and help teach us. In turn the SUGCR students are welcomed into practices across the city, and also provide valuable help in those towers. I would like to thank not only Pete McCoy and Simon Reading, but all ringers who help keep SUGCR active throughout the year. In November I sat the Module1 course of the ITTS Ringing Teachers course, and passed the initial theory test. I hope that by having these skills we will have at least one more person to call upon to teach newcomers to the hobby. In 2014 we have been invited to give a ringing demonstration in the Foyer of the new Student Union building, so maybe there is hope after all. As a final comment I would like to take the chance to remind you of the slightly earlier dinner date this year – Saturday 15th February which makes closing dates for tickets February 1st. I look forward to seeing you all there.
New members This year we gained one new member, Helen Wright – a second year student who is already a ringer. Member News: Denis Pearson 1940 – 2013 Last year we received the sad news that one of our alumni members had passed away – Denis Pearson. Chris Bennett kindly wrote to Owen, Denis’ son, with details of his long standing involvement in the Guild since the early days. Denis missed being a SUGCR founder member by just one year, but did ring in the Guild’s first successful peal which was Plain Bob Minor rung at Wentworth on 10th February 1960. He participated in the repeat of this peal 40 years later which was organised by Chris Bennett featuring four of the original band members. Denis was the man behind ‘Aitch’ the much loved cartoon featured in the Ringing World [http://www.aitch.org/]. His most recent activity with the Guild was during the 50th Anniversary celebrations. He kindly provided us our very own ‘Aitch’ cartoon for the occasion which many of us still have on mugs, and sweatshirts. Also to celebrate the 50th anniversary, he rang with four of the original founder members plus a supporter of the same era to gain a quarter peal of 1260 PB Minor at Rousham, Oxon – on October 9th 2008. I include a photograph of the band below.
PEOPLE NEWS
Who are we? – “The Committee” 2013 – 2014
Chair: Tom Lovering Secretary: Emma Daniel Ringing Master: Emily Waters Treasurer: Tom Franklin Web Page Owner: Stu Wrigley
Left to right: (F denotes founder members) 3 John Rank (F), 2 Keith Abbott (F), 5 Terry Hargreaves (F), 6 Dennis Pearson (C), 4 John Clarke (F), 1 Christine Clarke
Marriages and Births Congratulations go to the following SUGCR members:
Sarah Dawson and James Blackburn who announced their engagement after 10 years together, in October 2013.
Hayley Morris and Bob Daniel on the birth of their son Jacob.
Ruth and Philip Medlock on their birth of their daughter Charlotte.
Finally best wishes, and congratulations to Caroline Carter-Smith and fiancé Peter Brash who will be married on Friday February 21st 2014.
Missing Members Do you know any members who do not receive the newsletter? Or keep up to date with SUGCR? Please send an email or postal addresses to [email protected] so I can add them to the distribution list.
Who are the current SUGCR students? Some questions to help get to know them.
Where do you call home? Emily: Toynton-All-Saints, Boston. TomL: Bristol Helen: Sutton, Surrey TomF: Hull Emma: Basingstoke
How long have you been a bell ringer? Emily: 5 and a half years TomL: 10 years Helen: 2 years TomF: 6 years Emma: Just over a year
What first got you interested in the hobby? Emily: Was asked to have a go on the local church’s new bells. TomL: Duke of Edinburgh award Helen: Some people in my immediate family are ringers TomF: A family friend asked me to give it a try. Emma: An old lady back home suggested I needed a hobby for Uni that was cheaper than horses, it took her months to convince me to get up the tower. First day in Sheffield I cheekily stumbled into Walkley having not even unpacked.
What are you studying? Emily: Bsc Psychology TomL: Medicine Helen: Sociology TomF: Chemistry Emma: BA Graphic Design
You favourite thing about Sheffield? Emily: The people – they’re so friendly TomL: Frequent use of ‘duck’ and ‘love’ Helen: Social life and going out. TomF: How friendly people are. Emma: The beautiful views
What method is your next challenge? Emily: Stedman TomL: Norwich Minor Helen: Not sure TomF: Kent Treble Bob Emma: Cambridge
Can you Ceilidh? Emily: Yes! TomL: Not really…. Helen: I have been to one… TomF: Ish…. I have tried it once. Emma: Sure can ;)
GETTING TO KNOW THE STUDENTS OF SUGCR
Friday 14 February 2014
Open ringing at St. Marie's 7:30 - 9:00pm followed by drinks (location tba)
Saturday 15 February 2014
11am-3:30pm. Ringing & Pub Lunch - venues and timings tba
7pm for 7:30pm sitting. Dinner at Tapton Hall, Sheffield. Tickets: £35 (non-student) or £30 (student)
Menu:
Goats Cheese and Red Onion Tartlet ----------oOo----------
Leek and potato soup ----------oOo----------
Breast of Chicken in a white wine and asparagus sauce or
Mediterranean Vegetable Bake (V) Both served with Parmentier and Duchess potatoes, and buttered carrots and garden peas
----------oOo---------- Apple Crumble served with custard
----------oOo---------- Tea and Coffee
Beer: The bar manager of Tapton Hall is working with Welbeck Abbey Brewery to supply beer for our event.
Speakers:
o Rosalind Martin (aka 'The BellRopeSpider'): bellringer, blogger and tweeter, who will be talking about using technology to recruit and retain ringers. She also rings with SUGCR (the other one).
o Father Chris of St Marie’s will speak for the Church.
Ceilidh: 'The Last Whole Turn' will provide an after dinner Ceilidh
Hand bells: Back by popular demand!
Suggested Hotels: These are close by and 'could' be classed as walking distance (depending on how far you want to walk...). There are many options to suit every budget available a short taxi ride away in the city centre.
o Halifax Hall, The Florentine or The Rutland Hotel
**** Please find the ticket booking form on the final page of this newsletter***
The 55th Anniversary Dinner Weekend – February 14th – 16th 2014
The following summarises the events in the Guild over the last year. February: Successful Annual Dinner Weekend
With 25 determined ringers navigating directions to a secret entrance to the Cathedral arriving on Friday it was a great start to a weekend of ringing, drinking beer and catching up. Saturday saw an 11am start at Ecclesfield. Another great turn out of around 20 people. For most it was the first chance to ring there since the bells were augmented from an 8-bell to a fantastic 10-bell tower in 2011. Lunch was at The Ranmoor Inn - where the landlady repeatedly apologised for only having a tiny kitchen but within a couple of hours, everyone was fed and watered (beer'd), and ready to ring again. We split, allowing 8 to ring for the wedding at St Marie's, and the remaining ringers stayed at St John's Ranmoor.
We had 71 guests at the formal Dinner, held this year at the Hilton Hotel. I wonder how many noticed that the balloons were chosen to match our home tower Sally colours. Following the dinner Fr. Chris gave an account of the refurbishment project at St Marie's and Emily detailed the comings and goings of the Guild. A special mention went to Ross Finbow, who this year broke his unbroken dinner attendance record, leaving Chris Bennett the chance to pick up the honour in three years' time. Two presentations were made during the evening - To Fr. Chris - a framed copy of the beautiful drawing by our fresher, Emma Daniel, of Sheffield City Centre and St Marie's to commemorate the rededication. Then to Sue Burchell - an engraved Tankard thanking Sue for her 5 year role as president which she handed over in 2012. Finally there was Tom, who's professionally prepared speech had to be heard to be... appreciated. A Ceilidh, some drinking, some chatting, and a raffle involving a now traditional gnome followed. A good night had by all.
A few ‘survivors’ made service ringing and coffee in the morning on Sunday to complete an excellent weekend.
A Year in the Life of SUGCR
March: Election of Pope Francis (March 13th) In March we initiated ‘Pope-watch’ which brought back memories of the constant news and telephone watching of 2005, so that we may ring as soon as possible after the election is announced.
Due to the enthusiasm and commitment of students, alumni, and fellow Sheffield ringers we had six ringers at 13.00 and 14 ringers at 18.00 services the day after election - less than 24 hours' notice. We also rang for the 10.30 Mass on Sunday 17th which saw us with another 13 ringers. We rang a wide range of methods and had enough to ring Yorkshire on two occasions. The bells were very much appreciated by St Marie’s at this time.
April – AGM and Committee Elections April saw the AGM and also the election of the new committee. Sadly we said goodbye to both Emily Mellor and Helen Scarf this term and so Emily Waters and Emma Daniel joined the committee alongside existing members Tom Lovering and Tom Franklin. We discussed the Summer Tour and planned to review the Dinner venues next month.
May: Annual Dinner Review: Following a review of the survey results and considering our specific requirements the students and myself visited three new venues this year in consideration for the 2014 Annual Dinner. The first was the Beauchief Hotel, which extremely pleasant, has great food reviews, and staff were very helpful. The only downside was lack of Ceilidh
space. The second venue we saw was the Mercure hotel in the city centre. This modern and stylish hotel would be a fantastic venue and during our visit we received good service. However I chased on several occasions for sample menus, price options, and some questions I had, yet nothing returned. Finally we revisited a previous favourite of the SUGCR Dinners of the 1980s. Tapton Hall. This venue met all of our requirements, the menu seemed reasonably priced and familiar, there is ample Ceilidh space, and they were willing to talk to Clair about selling her beer at our event. There the choice was made, so a booking was made for Saturday 15th February 2014.
June: Planned Spring Tour to Bedfordshire cancelled Sadly to due to lack of people committed to make the trip the planned tour to Bedfordshire was cancelled. We are hoping this will be picked up in 2014.
August: Skegness Summer Tour [full report can be found here]
Friday 16th August
19:00 - 20:00 Harrington, Lincs, S Mary, 3,2cwt - 3qr - 17lb (147kg) in F# (1465.0Hz)
Saturday 17tht August
10:30-11:30 Ingoldmells, Lincs, SS Peter & Paul (GF;T), 8, 13-3-26 (710kg) in F#
11:35- 12:35 Addlethorpe, Lincs, S Nicholas (GF), 6, 10-2-12 (539kg) in F
LUNCH at a pub in Spilsby (changed from Park picnic due to rain)
14:30- 15:30 Spilsby, Lincs, S James (GF), 6, 11-2-17 (592kg) in G
16:00- 17:00 Alford, Lincs, S Wilfrid, 6, 12-1-24 (633kg) in F#
17:30- 18:30 Burgh le Marsh, Lincs, SS Peter & Paul, 8, 17-2-4 (891kg) in Eb
Sunday 18th August
Sunday Service Ringing Alford, Lincs, S Wilfrid, 6, 12-1-24 (633kg) in F#
The organisation of the summer tour was thrust upon Emily Waters whilst still under the influences of the 2013 Annual Dinner but she picked up the task with enthusiasm and a great tour was had in ‘sunny’ Skeggy. An unusual 3-bell tower at Harrington started the weekend along with some traditional seaside food – fish and chips. Accommodation was tent based ranging from Medlock mansions, to Tom Scase’s Krypton Factor challenge. Based on the official tour report it seems only Sarah Green was organised enough to take any alcohol with her that night which quite frankly is shocking behaviour. What has bellringing come to?! As well as sharing her beers, Sarah also made breakfast for everyone the following morning before the six overnighters went to meet up with Sarah Dawson, James Blackburn
and Gill Murray to begin the five tower tour. We achieved a good standard and range of ringing. We even rang a specially ‘made up Principle’ (made up by Tim Palmer). In addition to the ringing, we had two pub meals, and beers, and pool, darts, a small puppy and set of handbells provided ample entertainment.
November: NUA Report provided by Emily Waters.
This year 3 members of SUGCR joined many other students in Liverpool for NUA. After a long adventure leading to a much needed McDonald’s, Tom, Helen and I navigated our way to Pier Head, the 2nd tower of the Friday night ready to ring. After all having a go at ringing, we escaped the crowded room to go to another crowded room with beer, this gave us a chance to meet and catch up with fellow students. After much drinking we arrived at the hall where I enjoyed even more drinking, to my peril on Saturday. Saturday morning brought an early start for a ringing tour of Liverpool to Tuebrook, Bromborough, Bebington and Port Sunlight in the morning followed by the traditional
Wetherspoons lunch, after which I said goodbye to Helen and Tom who went shopping, I then went on to Rock Ferry with the other students and then headed back to the hall following a lock out at West Derby. Saturday evening started with the results for the striking competition with Bristol winning the top spot, we then enjoyed a chilli after which Helen was introduced to the Ceilidh which was split in half by the Boat race, won this year by Leeds after a rather comical performance by Nottingham. As the ceilidh came to a close Tom and I joined a small group of people who were continuing the drinking into the early hours. Sunday saw Tom and Helen leave in the morning whilst I joined most of the other students at Penny Lane for morning ringing before going to the pub to rehydrate ready to visit the Cathedral, although I chickened out of ringing at the cathedral it was very much an amazing experience to see the bells and hear them ringing! I hope to have many more people join me next year for the NUA in Warwick.
The newsletter has become a summary of items on the webpage. I rarely receive additional news or comment for the newsletter hence the length has become somewhat shorter each year. Saying that; I do believe that a single document highlighting events each year is a great way to maintain a history of the Guild, in addition to the online content. So I support the continuation of the Newsletter. As I took on the role of President – I was conscious that we are missing representation in the extended committee of the older eras of the Guild. To help with the workload, and improve the diversity of the committee I would like to ask for volunteers to take on the Newsletter Editor role. I would be happy to pick up the newsletter again after my Presidency is over if that helps? You can email me, or speak to me at the Dinner in February. Thanks, Gill.
