Over 300 young ringers from across the country were in London on Saturday for the Ringing World National Youth Contest, together with over 200 helpers and supporters.
36 teams entered, and there were 4 competitions being held: Call Changes, and Method ringing on both 6 and 8 bells. However, the RWNYC is not just about the competition, but a wonderful celebration of youth ringing, an opportunity to ring at a series of towers throughout the day and to meet and mingle with many other young ringers
The Guildford Guild entered a team into the 6 bell call change competition, and were drawn to ring at 11am at St James, Garlickhythe – an easy going ring in the City. We arrived early and were able to listen to the preceding three teams before it was our turn. The team did very well with some nice even striking. We then embarked on a set itinerary ringing at 5 other towers in the city walking between them, and only got wet a little bit!. The final visit was at Bow, where there were two mini-rings, some handbells, some stalls, and of course a ring on the great bells of Bow themselves.
St Paul’s Cathedral provided an incredible location for the results ceremony, where the teams gathered with parents and supporters to hear the judges comments and to receive medals. There was a combined group photo on the steps of St Pauls, a truly wonderful sight. Very well done to our young ringers who came joint 5th out of 14 entries.
It really was a fantastic day. Our team was drawn from Cranleigh, Guildford Cathedral, Old Woking, Aldershot and Crondall and I was very proud of their efforts, not just for the competition, but also for the whole day.
Stu