After the indulgences of Christmas Day what better way for ringers from the Northern Branch to celebrate the second day of Christmas than with a spot of ringing in the country?  This year afforded the opportunity for some quarter-peal ringing.  For the past two Boxing Days I have been fortunate enough to take part in a peal attempt at Nutfield and in 2009 to arrange some quarter-peals at towers in the ‘Surrey Hills’ during the ensuing bank holiday.  However, with an overseas work trip looming large I had not envisaged being at home for Christmas and was out of contention for the peal and any other festive ringing.  The Nutfield Boxing Day peal is now something of a local tradition with three consecutive successes and this year it was rung by a largely local band – a great achievement.  Consequently my plans for this year were, out of necessity, somewhat last minute.  I had considered arranging 4 attempts but 3 in a day turned out to be the preferred agenda and it proved to be a very enjoyable and leisurely arrangement. 

The first quarter was at Ewhurst.  This venue was selected as John Hawes was yet to ring a quarter on these tricky bells and with his departure from the area imminent scoring here was particularly special.  Arguably this was not much of a tribute for someone who has arranged and a promoted a great deal of ringing that I have benefitted from considerably during the past three years but in its own understated way it is perhaps befitting.  John will remain connected to the Surrey Association with regular visits to the area but I have no doubt that his departure will be palpable.  I suspect this will be evident enough and a review of the association’s tally and quality of peals and quarters, of treble dodging minor especially, at the end of 2012 will provide its own numeric testament.  Ewhurst are an interesting set of bells, their odd-struckness makes ropesight difficult and it took a good fifteen minutes to get accustomed to them.  Ringing here demands a good sense of rhythm and constant discipline to manage the odd-struckness – a fascinating challenge.  Access was also interesting – the local ringers were away and opening up involved collecting keys from a window ledge in the village and a key that goes in upside down in the belfry door!  With two ringers available only for the morning attempt the afternoon was devoted to surprise minor and featured an interesting 552 palindrome arranged by Paul Flavell. 

The nearby towers of Ockley and Capel were logical choices and fortunately both were available.  Ockley are a fine sounding moderately heavy six and are a treat to visit.  As a ground floor ring in an unlocked church with no clock hammers to worry about, visiting bands have an easy time of it.  Likewise, apart from a small climb, Capel are equally accessible and with a low ceiling and lighter weight, provide an interesting contrast to Ockley.  Capel churchyard featured an interesting display of decorated Christmas trees by the lychgate.  The bells here have been recently refurbished but having only rung them once before I cannot say if they are any different. 

Unsurprisingly the afternoon’s ringing took place after a good pub lunch at the Inn on the Green, Ockley – the leftovers can wait for another day! 

Chris McLean

Photo and details of quarter peals below.

Ewhurst, St Peter & Paul, 1280 DNCBM
1 Kate Flavell     5 Paul Flavell
2 Gillian Leale     6 Anne Anthony
3 Richard Anthony    7 Robin Leale
4 Christopher McLean    8 John Hawes (c)

Ockley, St Margaret, 1320 Cambridge Surprise Minor
1 Paul Flavell     4 Richard Anthony
2 Gillian Leale     5 Robin Leale
3 Anne Anthony     6 Christopher McLean (c)

Capel, St John Baptist, 1272 Durham Surprise Minor
1 Richard Anthony    4 Anne Anthony
2 Gillian Leale     5 Christopher McLean
3 Paul Flavell (c)    6 Robin Leale