Gamlingay ringers 2013 outing to Surrey

Thirteen ringers visited some of the towers in Surrey where John & Cass used to ring 40 years ago. Peter Ostley opened up for us at St Andrew, Cobham, with a beautifully behaved 9cwt ground floor ring of 8.

Cobham tower

Our next stop was St Giles, Ashtead, set in a lovely rural plot at the end of a short entrance drive. Sarah Huck met us here. The pretty ringing room with padded bench is up a few steps and the wrought iron balcony overlooks the nave of the church. A nice set of polished handbells hangs in a glass case. The 12cwt ring of 8 were appreciated by all.




Lunch at Cheam was next on the agenda. There was a reasonably priced pay & display car park next to the church and within easy walking distance of local hostelries.

Ye Olde Red Lion in Cheam Village met our requirements without any booking. As it was a sunny day we sat at the benches in the garden and enjoyed an excellent very reasonably priced meal.

After lunch it was only a short walk to St Dunstan, Cheam to ring on the 9cwt ring of 6, where Peter ? was waiting to let us in. A few surprises here as Iain was looking after this tower!

We had our group photo taken here but unfortunatelt Sally had to leave before this was taken to get dolled up for a dinner party in the evening.

The 2013 outing members (less Sally)

Next off to St Martin of Tours, Epsom, for the highlight of the day. We had half an hour to kill before we could ring due to a choir practice so we went into the town for a welcome cup of tea, and because someone told the owner that it was Iain's birthday we were given complimentary pancakes! We promised to ring the church bells for her in 10 minutes.
Ros Hallett let us into the tower with a lovely 16cwt ring of 10. Adam led up all 10 for a very nice raise from a band, for some of whom it was their first experience on 10 bells. Call changes, plain hunt on 9 and grandsire caters all went well on these well behaved and easy to ring bells, (sorry Sally you missed a treat).

St Martin of Tours, Epsom

Judging by the comments afterwards everyone had an enjoyable day. Any volunteers for next year?