Bellringers from Redbourn were selected from the 12 churches with bell towers in the Western District, to compete for the Kimpton Cup. Redbourn qualified by achieving 2nd place in the Gus Good Trophy, held at Great Gaddesden in June.
The final of the striking competition was held at Great Wymondley, near Stevenage on Saturday 26th September and the Redbourn band included Diana Reading, Mary Rixon, Rebecca Edwards, Liz Middleton (conductor), Ben Edwards and Pauline Ridgwell, all of whom are regular members of the Sunday ringing band.
The results were as follows:
1st - St. Peters, St. Albans 33 faults
2nd - St. Michaels, St. Albans 53 faults
3rd - Bushey 64 faults
4th - St. Mary's Redbourn 76 faults
5th - Apsley 79 faults
6th - Hitchin 81 faults
7th - Sandon 105 faults
8th - Barkway 153 faults
The judges described the ringing by the Redbourn band as "a pleasant piece with good structure".
We were pleased and proud to be placed 4th out of 8 of the best bands in Hertfordshire, especially as the bells at Great Wymondley are lighter than those at Redbourn and more challenging due to the long draught.
The aim of the striking competition is to ring to the best of one’s ability and improve the standard of church bell ringing for services.