Tower Captain Report 2024/2025
As a tower we continue to attract visiting ringers from around the country to ring our lovely bells, one group worth a mention are the Roving Ringers who cycle every where, they did catch the train to Bridgwater as some were from London or further a field, to see over 20 bicycles parked in the Church was a sight to see.
We have given tower tours to Bridgwater Sea Cadet, children from St Mary’s and St Johns and St Francis schools, the History group from U3A, along with welcoming visitors from around the country on Carnival Day – these are always a joy to do.
In the summer we had a tower outing to a local tower, took part in the Branch Striking Competition and Branch Picnic – shame the weather wasn’t kind to us.
August of last year some us visit Matthew Higby’s works at Radstock, one of the highlights for me was to see the rope walk and for us all to try out his 12 bell mini ring.
We have celebrated members special birthdays, by presenting them with lovely bouquets of flowers, or in one members case a bottle of whisky.
In May of last year we completed the final act of our bell augmentation by presenting the Church with the photographic archive which was produced by one of project partners Bridgwater Photographic Society.
We marked Bell Sunday by enjoying a delicious meal at the Tudor restaurant to where we returned for our Christmas Lunch.
We took part in the National Ringing for Peace on D day, rung for 6 weddings, and tolled a bell for 2 funerals. On practice nights we are perfecting our Plain Bob Doubles, Plain Hunt and Call Changes. We have welcomed new members, Sue, Alex, Martha, Sam not forgetting Danielle from Goathurst who joins us every week.In November of last year it was with great sadness we said good bye to Keith Lane, a member of this tower for over 57 years, on the day of his funeral at Cannington some of his friends rang a quarter peal here on the middle eight, which was a first.
Also in November we donated a defibrillator to the Church, my thanks goes to Gerry for his research and accessing one.
This year it will be a change of officers with Isabel and Kate stepping back although Isabel will still carry on with our Facebook page, I would like to thank them of their hard work and support over the past years.
I would like to thank Richard for coming up with different ideas to keep us on our toes and Gerry, with Richard, for keeping the bells in order.
Finally I would like to thank you all for your dedication and fun in making ringing here such an enjoyable time.
Margaret
