Today was ringing Sunday: I had intended to ring at the Cathedral on Wednesday, their practice night, but there was a concert on, so no ringing. I decided that I’d try on Sunday and see. Hmmm. Ordination service (big deal in the Cathedral), and about 1000 people. However, I was the 6th ringer to show up, and they were glad to see me. We rang the back 6 (the largest bells), with me struggling to keep up in plain hunt. Back to call changes, and the striking was much better. Ater that, went to the ‘student tower’ where learners begin in Manchester, where again there were only 6 of us, so we rang the back 6 of their 8. This time plain hunt went much better, and I also rang cover as they did several methods. I’m beginning to get a little more confident when doing that- even on unfamiliar bells.
For those that don’t understand the ringing terminology: started with big bells at the cathedral, where I was not doing too well. They made it easier, and I coped. Then to another tower with a second chance, and I didn’t screw things up.
I had made arrangements to get some help with a fellow I met in Liverpool, to do the infamous Rochdale 9 (locks). These go through the heart of the city, between and under buildings, and are challenging to work as space outside is limited, but the locks are big ones. I wanted to do them with another boat, for the help and to make it easier to prevent banging around so much in the locks, and missed the one that went through today, as I was ringing. No sweat, I will do them tomorrow morning as I am sure there will be a boat to share with.
All part of the grand scheme to do things as they go, without a lot of pressure. The weather is decidedly cooler the past few days, and that makes for incentive to get jobs done in the boat.
