Welcome to the web site
of the Chipping Norton Branch

Two years ago, the inaugural ODG Raising and Lowering Competition was held at Wigginton. As it was one of our benefice towers, the Hook Norton band felt we really ought to enter. Knowing the bells well we hoped we wouldn’t disgrace ourselves — and to our delight, we won! Granted, we did have home advantage and only two other bands entered, but a win’s a win.

Last year, we decided to enter again to prove it wasn’t a fluke. No home advantage this time — yet we won again! Still only a couple of other bands, but we were definitely more pleased with ourselves than the first time.

By this year, an element of pressure (and expectation) was beginning to build. So, with a mix of excitement and trepidation, we set out for Garsington on the first Saturday in October to defend the beautiful carved wooden trophy. The bells there were harder to ring than we expected, and we weren’t entirely satisfied with our performance — but it turned out everyone else found them tricky too. With four other bands competing this time, we were thrilled to win again! For the first time, we felt genuinely satisfied that we could not only win on unfamiliar bells, but also hold our own against some very good competition. Of course, that means the pressure is really on for 2026…

The Raising and Lowering Competition runs alongside the Guild Six-Bell Striking Competition — some might say the more prestigious of the two! By default (though we’d love another branch tower to challenge us next year!), Hook Norton have represented the Chipping Norton Branch for the past three years. Two years ago, at Shipton-under-Wychwood, we didn’t do particularly well. Last year, with expectations low, we surprised ourselves by finishing a very satisfying third — beaten only by High Wycombe and Reading Branch.

This year, our public aim was simply not to come last — though secretly, we hoped to match our 2024 result. With tight timings between Garsington and Cuddesdon, we just made it to our slot and enjoyed hearing the band before us as we arrived. The Cuddesdon bells were a joy to ring — beautifully toned and easy to handle, if a touch loud in the chamber. Dan conducted us flawlessly, and we completed our 240 of Plain Bob feeling we’d done ourselves justice: not a winning performance, but a fair reflection of what we can achieve.

The village hall was a short (and rather blowy) walk from the church, but the promise of tea and cakes was irresistible. While we didn’t hear much of the remaining ringing, the cakes were excellent and the company even better — a lovely chance to catch up with old friends from around the Guild.

Our main focus, if we’re honest, was on the Raising and Lowering results — anything else would be a bonus. So we were genuinely shocked and delighted to come second in the Striking Competition, just half a fault behind Reading Minster! To come so close to such a strong band was well beyond our expectations.

But then we couldn’t help thinking… half a fault… what if…?

On Saturday 4th October the Oxford Diocesan Guild 6 bell striking competition was held in Cuddesdon, just outside Oxford. Alongside this there was the guild Raising and Lowering completion in the neighbouring village of Garsington.
I’m very pleased to report that the Chipping Norton branch was extremely well represented with Hook Norton once again winning the raising and lowering competition. The top three bands were separated by just a few percent with third place awarded to North Bucks on 84%, second place to Longcot on 86%, and Hook Norton won first place with 88%. This is the third year in a row that Hook Norton have won the Coronation Trophy which was presented by Bob Newton.
The main 6 bell striking competition was held in Cuddesdon and 8 bands from across the guild were competing. Colin Newman (past College Youths Master) was the main judge and the top two places were extremely close with Reading winning by the narrowest of margins with 13 faults. Hook Norton were placed second on 13.5 faults. Third place was awarded to Longcott with 23 faults.
Very well done to Hook Norton for putting on such strong performances. The picture shows the winning band with the Coronation Shield – 1) Selina Harris, 2) Sally Austin, 3) Jonathan Muller, 4) David Salter, 5) Dan Austin (c) (Had to leave early so didn’t make the photo!), 6) Mick Austin.

David Salter
Branch Chair and Ringing Master

Ringers from Burford, Chadlington & Shipton under Wychwood, gathered at Taynton to ring a Quarter Peal as a Birthday Compliment to Jo Cook and Alison Minson, long serving and valued members of Chipping Norton Branch. They have over many years supported ringing throughout the branch especially in the Burford group, Shipton under Wychwood and Chadlington. The ringers were invited by their family for a celebratory drink at their home afterwards.  Bellboard.