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If you are new to the Branch, or new to ringing, this page will give you a better idea of what the Branch provides for you, and how you can take part. See also the full list of all services that the Branch provides for its members .
The Branch organises regular practices throughout the year. They are intended to help members develop their ringing, especially any aspects that they are unable to develop within their own towers. The practices also allow ringers to get to know their fellow members who ring at other towers.
All practices practices are preceded by a check to ensure there will be enough participants. Members receive an e-mail invitation and if enough respond then the practice is confirmed. On the rare occasions when there are too few ringers the practice it is cancelled. The current status (Provisional, Confirmed or Cancelled) of each practice is shown in the diary so you can always check. See Diary .
Practices are run by either the Ringing Master or Deputy Ringing Master , who are always willing to consider special requests, before or during the practice. They are also happy to give advice if asked.
For details of all practices, see Diary . Back to list of services provided
The Branch occasionally organises a (day or half day) outing to somewhere outside the immediate area, but within around an hour's travelling, with a different area being chosen each time. The outings include ringing at several towers, providing variety in the bells rung, the architecture of the churches, and the scenery and local interest of the villages or towns visited. The picture is Oxted, taken on the 2007 outing.
Lunch is taken together at a suitable inn, and there may be time to stop for coffees or ice cream between towers.
Transport is normally by car, and members are encouraged to share, which is more enjoyable as well as being less costly and more sustainable. The organiser will be happy to put anyone with no transport, or with a part empty car, in touch with each other.
You can find details of some past outings here. For the date of the next outing, see Diary. Back to list of services provided
In a striking competition, teams compete with each other to see which can ring the best. Most ringing societies run one or more striking competition a year. Sonning Deanery Branch runs one on 6 bells in the spring and on for 8-bell ringing jointly with Reading Branch (currently in February). Teams can choose what method to ring (or just to ring call changes or Rounds) and the performance is judged solely on the striking, ie the evenness of the rhythm. Entering a team in a competition can provide an additional spur for a band to improve its striking ability, which should feed through to the quality of its other performances. Individual ringers who take part are challenged to perform as well as they can, and they can also enjoy social contact with the other teams, as well as listening to good ringing, not to mention the refreshments. Each competition has a trophy (see pictures) which the winning team holds the trophy until the next competition. Teams placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd receive a certificate.
See the rules for 6-bell & 8-bell competition rules. For details of this year's competitions, see Diary. Back to list of services provided
The Branch periodically organises days with several quarter peals, which can give members opportunities they might not otherwise have. The Branch also encourages bands to ring their own quarter peals, and can provide assistance with ringers of=r conductors if the band doesn't have enough. In the centenary year, the Branch managed to ring a quarter peal in every tower.
For details of this year's quarter peal week, see Diary. Back to list of services provided
Some meetings are necessary to ensure the smooth running of the Branch, and to involve its members in major decisions. The officers meet periodically, but this doesn't normally involve ordinary members.
AGM – All members are invited to the AGM in February, at which the officers report to members on their respective areas of responsibility, major decisions are put to the members for approval, and members elect the following year's officers. This is the meeting at which most new members are elected, though they can be elected at other times of the year. The meeting is at a different tower each year and the normal sequence is: Ringing - A short service - Tea - Meeting - More ringing (if wanted).
Business meeting – This is in November, and its role is to smooth the way for business at the AGM. The meeting is attended by the officers and a representative from each tower. So it covers a wider spread than the officers alone but is still small enough to discuss things in depth and clarify issues ahead of the AGM. As well as discussing any major issues – concerns raised by the officers or by tower representatives, and any business from the Guild (of which we are a branch) – the meeting handles routine things like the programme for the coming year, how the funds are doing. The meeting can give actions to the officers, for example to obtain more information before the AGM.
For details of this year's meetings, see Diary. Back to list of services provided
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| Page updated on 21-July-2026 |
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© Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers (Sonning Deanery Branch) 2012 |  |
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