6 bell striking competition

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