Australian and New Zealand Association of Bellringers

Deryn's NZ Tag-Along Tour

A visit to NZ prompted by a 12-bell weekend (see report here) expanded to a two week holiday starting with the Two Island Cluster event at Oamaru on the Kowhai mini-ring the previous weekend (report here) and taking in all seven full-circle towers and all three NZ mini-rings in the fortnight.

The program was largely based on regular practice nights, so flexible regarding the number of people who joined me. There was ringing every day for a fortnight except for the two Mondays. Thanks to Harold Bartlett (Brisbane) and Nick Elks (UK) who came for the full two weeks, and to Peter Harrison (Adelaide) who joined us for the South Island. Various other ringers managed one extra tower.

Away from the two weekend events, our first stop was a Sunday afternoon in Dunedin. Eight visitors joined local Nick Phillips for a fun and friendly session. These are the most southerly full-circle change ringing bells in the world. Dunedin is well worth visiting for the lovely bells (7cwt eight), the scenery, and the enthusiasm of the Tower Captain, Nick, who prompted us to ring a touch of Grandsire Doubles with Extremes (a first for me).

The four tag-alongs had two hire cars and two days to work our way north to Christchurch, taking in some gorgeous views of glacial lakes, and glimpses of snow-capped mountains during breaks in the cloud. A couple of hours out of Christchurch, taking a break from the driving, Harold and I met Simon and Jane McMillan (Armidale) who were in the area to visit their daughter. We were all taking refuge from the rain in a cafe. [See photo left.]

The first evening in Christchurch we rang at the newly installed 3cwt eight at St Peter's Church Corner. The bells ring smoothly and there is a remarkable clarity of sound in the ringing chamber and outside, exposing every striking irregularity. The second evening we rang at Papanui, scoring a respectable Grandsire Triples QP prior to the main practice. As many know, Papanui are a 6cwt eight, but tower movement makes ringing them harder work than that suggests. Christchurch has a healthy band. We rang up to touches of Stedman Triples and Cambridge Surprise Major.

On our full day in Christchurch we visited Mandy and Terry Spearing, experiencing their generous hospitality and as much ringing as we wanted on their Karearea mini-ring. The weather was a contrast to the previous couple of days, with a beautiful clear view of snow capped mountains. The final morning Chris Oldham took us on a tour of the Cathedral building site. It is sobering to be reminded of the 2011 earthquake and the continuing ramifications. We were able to see five bells on display and get a good understanding of the plans which include reinstating the tower and cathedral, aiming for ringing with the opening of the first stage in late 2030. Picture (right) shows Deryn, Harold, Peter and Nick ready for our tour.

Having enjoyed the bells and hospitality of the South Island, we caught flights to Wellington to join the 12-bell weekend being run there. In addition to the 27cwt twelve at Wellington Cathedral there was the opportunity to ring the flighty 4cwt five of Old St Paul's and to ring the John David Mini-Ring (in the nave of the cathedral for the weekend).

Monday, our second day without ringing, the tag-alongs flew to Auckland. Tuesday was a sight-seeing day prior to the regular evening ringing practice. Five visitors, including Claire O'Mahony (Orange) and Tony Murray-Feist (Perth), joined three locals for a Grandsire Triples QPA prior to the regular practice. As with Christchurch, Auckland has a strong band. The practice was huge. The visitors allowed the more advanced locals to ring Cambridge Surprise Major and a touch of Stedman Triples. There was plenty of time made for ringers at all levels. I'm still left confused as to whether the tenor of their eight is 18cwt or 21cwt.

On Wednesday the three core tag-alongs drove to Hamilton where we joined their regular practice. Luka Sostarko (Melbourne) joined us. We were able to ring R&CC on 8, Plain Hunt on 7, Cambridge Minor and a touch of Stedman Doubles. Two learners were present, with one able to try supervised rounds for the first time. There was also a lapsed ringer, now resident in Dunedin, visiting. [See photo of those at the practice above.] The Hamilton bells, a 21cwt eight, are very fine. Ringing there was a fitting conclusion to our tour.

Quarter-peals and a peal rung during the tag-along tour, including those rung as part of the two weekend events, may be found here.

Deryn Griffiths

The tag-alongs wish to thank Deryn for organising this tour, which was both productive and enjoyable.