It was a glorious sunny day in Chalk, where this year’s Rochester district striking competition was held. Three bands entered the contest, which was judged by Alex Britton and Rachel Backhouse (Lewisham District). After having a ring themselves to sample the ‘go’ of the bells the competition got underway with last year’s winners, Meopham drawn to ring first.
Second to ring their party piece were Tunstall. Before the results were announced Alex Britton humorously referred to the band as “a bunch of show-offs for ringing Norwich Surprise Minor”.
Last but not least Hoo/High Halstow rang “a fine piece of wedding ringing”, according to Alex Britton. The method was Grandsire Doubles.
Following tea and biscuits and a few little nibbles the quarterly meeting began, which was chaired by Sue Symons and attended by 19 ringers representing 9 towers. The judges commented on the performances from each band and announced (in the usual reverse order) Tunstall as the winner of the 2006 District Striking Competition with 36 ½ faults. Hoo/High Halstow came second with 53 faults and Meopham third with 76 faults. Tunstall will now represent the district in the county 6-bell striking competition in September, for which the Rochester district will play host (venue tbc).
Three new KCACR members were elected at the meeting – Brian Lawson (Newington), David Irwin (Halling) and David Smith (Rochester Cathedral) – and open ringing finished off the day.
The winning band with their mascot and the judges.
(left to right) Gareth Lawson, Steve Haynes, Roger Pocock, Rachel Backhouse, Rachel Cox (holding the trophy), Alex Britton, Sue Symons, Emma Cundiff & Stuart Cox