April Newsletter

• Read the latest Branch news in the April 2026 newsletter here. There's plenty to read, including reports on our fun-filled quiz night and the slightly more serious striking competition, including team photographs of the latter. There are also details of the forthcoming Association AGM (ringing available in the Tewkesbury area) and our May Day Branch outing (ringing in the Frome area of Somerset). Enjoy! Posted 29 March 2026

March Branch Practice - Berkeley

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at Berkeley (10) in the Wotton Branch this coming Saturday 28 March, 3pm - 4:30pm. Don't miss this rare opportunity to ring on ten bells, especially if you've never rung on ten before. All levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Posted 23 March 2026

Results from 2026 Branch Striking Competition

• The results from this year's Branch Striking Competition held at Horton in the Wotton Branch on Saturday 21 March are:
• 1st - Coalpit Heath
• 2nd - Frenchay
• 3rd - Thornbury
• Seven teams took part. The other teams were Abson, Frampton Cotterell, Siston and Wapley. For past winners see here. Posted 21 March 2026

2026 Branch Striking Competition

• This year's Branch Striking Competition will be held at Horton in the Wotton Branch. Saturday 21 March, 2pm - 4:30pm. See here for competition rules and extra information. Posted 7 February 2026

May Day Bank Holiday Outing

• Geoff is making good progress organising our May Day outing. It's on Monday 4 May 2026 and will be to the Frome area. You can see the list of towers (with a couple still to be confirmed) here. Posted 11 March 2026

New Dashboard for Branch Website

• There is now an alternative way to access the Branch website, designed to make finding information easier on mobile devices. Go to https://bellsgandb.org.uk/bristolrural/dashboard.html

• Don't forget to bookmark the page - and please share the link with your ringing friends 😉 Posted 22 February 2026

March Branch Practice - Berkeley

• The March practice will be at Berkeley (10) in the Wotton Branch on Saturday 28 March (not Whitehall St Ambrose). Posted 27 February 2026

February Branch Practice - Pucklechurch

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at Pucklechurch on Saturday 28 February, 3pm - 4:30pm. All levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Posted 19 February 2026

March Branch Practice - Whitehall

• The March practice will not be at Whitehall St Ambrose. A replacement tower will be announced shortly. Posted 20 February 2026

G&B Spring Training Day

• See here for details of this year's G&B Spring Training Day on Saturday 14 March 2026. Register by Saturday 28 February 2026. Posted 2 February 2026

Dodgers Outing CANCELLED

• This month's Dodgers outing is CANCELLED due to anticipated snow in the Brecon area. Posted 18 February 2026

Final Call for Branch Quiz Registrations

• If you haven't already registered your team, there's still time. But hurry, the cooks 🧑‍🍳👨‍🍳 are preparing soon. See here for how to register. Posted 9 February 2026

Your Quiz Needs You!

• Remember those wonderful homemade dishes we all look forward to at our annual quiz night? 😋 We’re urgently seeking volunteers to prepare a main course for 10-15 people. Can you help keep this delicious tradition alive? What would you like to cook? All food expenses will be covered and our chefs will earn a special place in our collective hearts/stomachs 😇
• If you can help please get in touch by emailing Chris Greef at cgreef@btinternet.com or contact us via our dedicated Quiz Page form at https://bellsgandb.org.uk/bristolrural/branch-quiz.php Posted 30 January 2026

February Newsletter

• Read the latest Branch news in the February 2026 newsletter here. Posted 27 January 2026

Branch Practice - Bitton

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at Bitton this coming Saturday, 24 January, 3pm - 4:30pm. All levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Posted 17 Janaury 2026

Ringing Trip to Northern Ireland this May

• Sue Elliott (Bitton) is organising a week-long ringing trip to Northern Ireland in May 2026. Places are available. If you'd like to join the trip please contact Sue no later than 28 January 2026. You can find all the details here. Posted 15 January 2026

Branch Quiz 2026

• Brush up on your general knowledge - and your not-so-general knowledge! It’s time for the annual Branch Quiz 🤗 This year’s quiz is on Saturday 14 February 2026 at The Church Hall, Thornbury (not the usual Iron Acton venue). You’ll find all the details including how to register along with answers to frequently asked questions (but not the quiz questions 😉) on our dedicated webpage here. Expect amazing hot food, unbelievable raffle prizes 😬 and a chance to be crowned 2026 champions 🥇 So gather your team(s) and register by Saturday 7 February. Doors open at 6:30pm. Good luck 🤞
• For more information and to register see here. Posted 8 January 2026

Plain Bob Doubles training

• Chris has organised a Plain Bob Doubles training session at Wapley on Saturday 17th January, 2pm - 4pm. It is for anyone who is trying to get to grips with either the basic method or moving on to learn how the bobs affect things. You should be able to plain hunt on more than one bell to be able to benefit from the training. There is space for 5 students and more helpers would be appreciated. If you are interested please contact Chris Greef Posted 31 December 2025

🥧🔔🥧🔔🥧 Christmas Mince Pie Branch Practice - Frampton Cotterell

• Reminder that we have our special Christmas Mince Pie Branch Practice at Frampton Cotterell on Monday 29 December, 3pm - 5pm (not 4:30pm finish as shown in the programme). There'll be mince pies and lots of other treats available 😋 And as usual, all levels of ringing and requests will be catered 🤭 for. Posted 20 December 2025
• Update: Gary adds, "Any spare mince pies, turkey sandwiches, sprout soufflés, etc. welcome." Posted 22 December 2025

Film about Bell Ringing

• Go to the recruitment page to see a film produced by a German TV company about bell ringing in the Cotswolds and London. See here. Posted 7 December 2025

AGM Minutes

• The minutes of last Saturday's 2025 Branch AGM are available now here. Please let Bill know if you spot any errors. Posted 27 November 2025

New membership management system

• A new online system designed to help you manage your Branch membership is being introduced by the G&B. Read more about it and how you register here. Posted 22 November 2025

December Newsletter

• Read the latest Branch news in the December 2025 newsletter here. Posted 24 November 2025

2026 Programme

• The DRAFT 2026 Programme is available for inspection here. Posted 22 November 2025
• Update: DRAFT 1.3 now available. Posted 10 December 2025

Going on Farcited next Thursday?

• Don't forget to bring your mug. Very few free mugs available. Posted 28 November 2025

Tower Annual Return Form

• To help with annual returns, here's a copy of Tony's 2024 'form'. It's a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and you will need to update some details, e.g. date, fees (£15 -> £20). If you need help please check with Bill (Secretary), Graham (Treasurer) or ask at Saturday's AGM. Posted 21 November 2025

• annual_return.xlsx

AGM

• The Branch AGM will be held on 22nd November at St Mary's Church, Almondsbury. The agenda is:
• 14:30 - 16:30 - Ringing
• 16:30 - 17:15 - Service
• 17:15 - 18:00 - Tea
• 18:00 - 19:00 - AGM
• 19:00 on - More ringing if desired

• Further details including the full agenda, draft 2026 Programme and officer's reports can be found here (please check back regularly for updates in the leadup to the AGM). Posted 6 November 2025

• Important: Message from the Almondsbury ringers:
• We would be very grateful if towers could bring food, especially cakes, to share at tea. This is especially important if anyone requires vegan or gluten free. The caters are providing nut free, and will provide vegan if you request but will not provide gluten free - this we must provide ourselves through donations. Please contact us with your dietry requirements or any other queries regarding tea.
• Please come prepared to pay for tea using cash. We would like a donation of £5 but should you be especially pleased more would be welcome. We do not have the capability to process card payments.
• Please email the Branch Secretary with your queries and requests. Last updated 11 November 2025

Peal and Quarter Peal Festival Month

• The G&B’s annual peal and quarter peal ringing event. 1 - 31 October. Read about it here. Posted 3 October 2025

Firsts Festival Fortnight

• Everyone is encouraged to do something for the first time during the G&B's Firsts Festival Fortnight. Anything from ringing on your own to calling something complex, and everything in between. 11 - 26 October. Read about it here. Posted 3 October 2025

Branch Practice - Tytherington

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at Tytherington this coming Saturday, 25 October, 3pm - 4:30pm. All levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Posted 20 October 2025

October Newsletter

• Read the latest Branch news in the October 2025 newslette here. (Read the full Stoke Gifford bells article here.) Posted 28 September 2025

Cream Teas and Ringing Galore at Thornbury

• Read all about the recent Branch Practice with Cream Teas at Thornbury here. Posted 22 September 2025

G&B Autumn Training Day

• The G&B Autumn Training Day is on Saturday 11th October. Details and application forms should appear here on the G&B website shortly. Posted 3 September 2025
• Update: See message from Bill below which provides more informartion. Posted 22 September 2025
• Bob Blanden (G & B Autumn Training Day Organiser) say, "Arrangements for the Association Autumn Training Day are almost complete, with a few changes from last year. We are going to have a Plain Bob Triples and Major Course so as to give those who wish to move up on numbers, an opportunity to do so. Stedman will be Doubles this time. For those moving on from Plain Bob Doubles, there may be the chance to also ring some Minor. The change from odd bell methods to even bell methods, therefore without a Tenor behind, to lead from, is an important transition for those that haven’t experienced that. All are welcome to attend either as a student or a helper on the day. More details are to be distributed soon which will outline the course locations and content. Application will be via a form on the Association website when available." Posted 3 September 2025

URGENT: Contributions for the October branch newsletter

• Do you have news from your tower, your achievements, your plans for 2025, ringing tips, offers / requests for help, in fact any news that you think members will find useful and interesting. Please send your contributions to Chris Greef no later than Thursday 25 September. Posted 24 September 2025

Branch Practice - Warmley

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at Warmley this coming Saturday, 27 September, 3pm - 4:30pm. All levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Posted 22 September 2025

Loughborough Bell Foundry Visit

• Learn all about the Let's Ring! crew plus friends' recent visit to the Loughborough Bell Foundry where they witnessed bells being cast and more. Read the full article here. Posted 5 September 2025

Gloucester Cathedral Ringing

• Reminder about the Branch's annual visit to Gloucester Cathedral to ring for Evensong is tomorrow, Sunday 21 September. Meet at the door on the south transept at 1:20pm. Posted 20 September 2025

August Newsletter

• Read the latest Branch news in the August 2025 newslette here. Posted 29 July 2025
• Update: To read the full article about the Stoke Gifford bells and digital bell system go to our new Articles page here. Posted 1 August 2025

Branch Practice - Thornbury

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at Thornbury on Saturday, 23 August, 3pm - 4:30pm. This is a special practice with Cream Teas to follow 😋 If you are planning to attend could you please: 1) let Catherine know, so she has an idea of numbers, and 2) if possible bring scones. As always, all levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Posted 10 August 2025

VJ Day 80 Ringing

• Reminder that we've been asked to ring tomorrow, Friday 15 August, to mark VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day), commemorating the end of World War II in 1945. 6:30pm - 7:30pm or whenever you can. Posted 14 August 2025

Branch Practice - Iron Acton

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at Iron Acton this coming Saturday, 26 July, 3pm - 4:30pm. All levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Posted 11 July 2025

National 12-bell Striking Contest

• The results are in... and Bristol has won! CONGRATULATIONS 👏 Listen to the winning team ringing the Stedman Cinques test piece (listen from 2:29:30) https://youtu.be/TO9ptIFX67c?t=8970 Posted 28 June 2025

Ringing World Editor's Choice - Thornbury

• The Ringing World editor spotted a very special Thornbury quarter peal and wrote it up under a bling title. Printed in issue 5955, page 551. Posted 1 July 2025

Thornbury 'Where's Wally?"

• Thornbury features on the front cover to the Ringing World VE80 Special Edition (5952). Can't see them? Hint: see bottom left. Posted 1 July 2025

Lost jacket

• A light blue coat was found at Newent after our Farcited visit on 5 June. Please contact Geoff if you have lost it. Posted 25 June 2025

National 12-bell Striking Contest

• Reminder that we have the National 12-bell Striking Contest Final coming to us at St Mary Redcliffe in just 10 days! on Saturday 28 June. Great opportunity to hear first-class ringing. Come along and support our local Bristol band. You can see the full timetable here The draw is at 11:00am and ringing starts at 11:30am. Food, refreshments and entertainment throughout the day. Posted 17 June 2025

Branch Practice - Frenchay

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at Frenchay this coming Saturday, 21 June, 3pm - 4:30pm. All levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Note that there is no BBQ, just ringing, so why not bring your own picnic. Posted 17 June 2025

Change to Branch Practice and BBQ at Frenchay

• The BBQ planned for after the practice on Saturday 21 June will now NOT take place this year. The practice WILL take place as planned at the usual time of 3pm- 4:30pm. (See message from Bryan under Notices from the Branch Secretary below.) Posted 1 June 2025

June Newsletter

• Read the latest Branch news in the June 2025 newslette here. Posted 19 May 2025

Branch Practice - Filton

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at Filton this coming Saturday, 24 May, 3pm - 4:30pm. All levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Posted 18 May 2025

VE Day 80 Ringing

• See here for how the Branch celebrated. Please let us know how your tower celebrated. Posted 9 May 2025

Contributions for the June branch newsletter

• The June newsletter will be published in a couple of weeks. Do you have news from your tower, your achievements, your plans for 2025, ringing tips, offers / requests for help, in fact any news that you think members will find useful and interesting. Please send your contributions to Chris Greef no later than NEW Deadline: Friday 16 May. Posted 11 May 2025

A very special request

Do you need help?

• CCCBR: https://cccbr.org.uk/2024/11/15/ring-out-in-celebration-ve-day-6-30pm-8th-may-2025/
• VE Day 80: https://www.VEday80.org.uk
• Ringing World BellBoard: https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/event.php?id=19733

May Day Outing 2025

• Details of this year's May Day Outing are now available. We're off to the Cotswolds, on Monday 5 May. For full details see under Programme or here. Posted 12 February 2025
• Update: Please remember to bring a tower donation of £5.00 per ringer. Posted 1 May 2025
• Update 2: Postcode correction - the postcode for the last tower (Cold Aston) is GL54 3BW. Posted 2 May 2025

Need a spare or replacement rope?

• Almondsbury has a selection of 7 old bell ropes that are surplus to requirements. Free to any tower that is interested. For more information (quality, length, etc.) please contact Almondsbury via the Branch Secretary. Posted 15 April 2025

IMPORTANT Change to April Dodgers outing

• If you are planning to go on the next Dodgers outing to Abergavenny on Thursday 24 April, note that the lunch venue has changed. See here for details. Note also that the deadline for ordering food is Sunday 20 April. Posted 16 April 2025

Programme Update - Cream Tea Practice

• Now confirmed that the Cream Team practice will take place at Thornbury on Saturday 23rd August, 3pm - 6pm. Posted 9 April 2025

G&B 2025 Striking Competition Results

• Results of the 2025 G&B 6-bell (Croome Trophy) and 8-bell (Penn Trophy) striking competitions can be found here. Posted 7 April 2025
• Update: Read Catherine White-Horne's report on Bristol Rural's performance in the Penn Trophy here. Posted 9 April 2025

Gloucester Branch towers open for General Ringing

• Reminder that this coming Saturday (5 April) is the G&B AGM when many towers in the Gloucester Branch will be open for general ringing in the morning. See here on page 3 for the list of towers. Posted 1 April 2025

Branch Practice - St Ambrose, Whitehall

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at St Ambrose, Whitehall this coming Saturday, 22 March, 3pm - 4:30pm. This is a rare opportunity to ring on 10 bells. All levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Posted 16 March 2025

Contributions for the April Branch newsletter

• The April newsletter will be published in a couple of weeks. Do you have news from your tower, your achievements, your plans for 2025, ringing tips, offers / requests for help, in fact any news that you think members will find useful and interesting. Please send your contributions to Chris Greef no later than Thursday 27 March. Posted 13 March 2025

URGENT request for help

Branch Practice - Winterbourne

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at Winterbourne this coming Saturday, 22 February, 3pm - 4:30pm. All levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Posted 17 February 2025

2025 Branch Striking Competition

• This year's Branch Striking Competition will be held at Sherston Magna in the Chippenham Branch. Saturday 15 March, 2pm - 4:30pm. Posted 11 February 2025
• Update: Competition rules and extra information now available here. Posted 15 February 2025

Change to the 2025 Programme

• The date of the Branch barbecue (including practice) at Frenchay is now Saturday 21 June (previously Saturday 28 June). The change is to avoid a clash with the National 12 Bell Competition, which this year is being held at St Mary Redcliffe on Saturday 28 June. Posted 6 February 2025

Lundy Island Ringing Trip

• Sue Elliott (Bitton) has arranged a ringing trip to Lundy Island for Thursday 15th May 2025. The ferry departs from Bideford at 8am on the 15th, arriving back at Bideford at 7pm the same day. The cost is £43.20 per person. Please contact Sue as soon as possible if you would like to come along (ringers and non ringers are welcome). See here for general island info. Posted 20 January 2025
• Update: Flyer available here. Posted 31 January 2025

Branch Quiz

• The 2025 Branch Quiz, organised this year by Bitton, is on Saturday 8 February, 8pm, Iron Acton Village Hall. Individuals and teams are welcome. Please bring your own drinks, a 'tower pudding' to share, and prizes for the raffle. And please let Bryan Hardwick know no later than Saturday 1 February that you’re coming so meals can be ordered. See poster for full details. Posted 12 January 2025
• Update 1: Bryan is looking for some volunteers to provide baked potatoes and rice to accompany the cooked supper. Could three people please provide baked potatoes for 12 - 15 servings, and three people provide cooked rice for 12 - 15 servings? Please let Bryan know as soon as possible. Expenses will of course be reimbursed. Posted 17 January 2025
• Update 2: Bryan now has three willing volunteers to cook baked potatoes for the quiz supper (thank you :-) but still needs help with the rice - three volunteers to provide rice for about 12 - 15 people each, please. All expenses will be reimbursed. Please let Bryan know. Posted 23 January 2025
• Update 3: Bryan now needs just two volunteers to help with the rice. All expenses will be reimbursed. Please let Bryan know if you can help. Posted 25 January 2025

Branch Practice - Olveston

• Reminder that the next Branch Practice is at Olveston this coming Saturday, 25th January, 3pm - 4:30pm. All levels of ringing and requests will be catered for. Whether you're ringing Rounds or Call Changes, or learning a new method, you will be included and supported. Posted 23 January 2025

February Farcited and Midweek Dodgers Outings

• Details of the February Farcited and Midweek Dodgers outings are available (see under Daytime Ringing for details). Posted 22 January 2025

New Twig for Far East

• Our new Twig covering the Far East towers (Bitton, Mangotsfield, Siston and Warmley) is Glenn Laurence (Siston). See here for Glenn's contact details. Posted 19 February 2025

Spring Training Day

• Registration for the Association Spring Training Day is now open. See here for details. Online registration here. Training takes place on Saturday 8 March. Closing date for all applications is Saturday 22 February. Posted 18 January 2025

Farcited and Midweek Dodgers Outings

• Details of the next Farcited and Midweek Dodgers outings are now available (see under Daytime Ringing for details). Posted 3 January 2025

February 2025 Newsletter

• Revised deadline for submissions: Please send your contributions for the next issue of the newsletter to Chris Greef by no later than Friday 24 January. Posted 24 December 2024

WhatsApp Group

• The November AGM proposed the creation of a WhatsApp group for branch members. This would be solely to disseminate information about branch practices, events, meetings, etc. It will not be a discussion forum, only the group administrator can post messages, and contact details will be hidden from everyone except the group administrator. If you would like to be included in this group please forward your contact details to Bryan Hardwick. Posted 17 December 2024

Committee Vacancies

• Three committee roles remain vacant following the AGM and urgently need to be filled. The roles are Treasurer, Management Committee Representative and Far East Twig. The duties are currently being undertaken by the committee as a whole but this position is unsustainable in the long-term. If you can help, or would like to know more about the duties of a role, please chat with Bryan Hardwick or a committee member. Posted 17 December 2024
• Update: The Treasurer role is now filled. Management Committee Representative and Far East Twig roles still vacant. Updated 10 January 2025