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First Quarter of Major - 4

First Quarter at first attempt - 1

1st touch of Plain Bob Doubles - 2. Rung at a Totternhoe Training Event organised by Annette Brooks. Angela Blackburn and Delroy Grey were also present.

1st Plain Bob Minor - 2. Rung at a Totternhoe Training Event organised by Annette Brooks. Angela Blackburn and Delroy Grey were also present.

1st touch of Plain Bob Doubles with 1 and 2 ringing together. Rung at a Totternhoe Training Event organised by Annette Brooks. Conducted by Angela Blackburn and Paul Hassan was also present.

1st touch of Plain Bob Minor affected - 2

First QP on 10, of Caters, and of Stedman - 6

For Bedfordshire Assn 'Firsts in February' (x3!) on being short for the monthly 12-bell practice.

Rung as part of our monthly advanced practice - a few firsts in February!

First blows in the method (Woodbine) - 2,3,4,6,8,10,11 & 12

First blows in the method (Double Oxford) - 4 & 8

Ringing Plain Hunt 6 & 7 for the first time since Covid - 7

A fun evening!

A First in February for Clare (First Grandsire inside)

First Plain Hunt Major - 1. Well done!

A first in February.

Rung for the BACBR 'First in February' initiative.

Congratulations to Karen and David, and to all those who made the QP a success.

First inside, first attempt - 3

First on tenor, first attempt - 6

First for band (minus treble) ringing a QP at this tower.

First QP/peal at this tower in 9 years.

First quarter at first attempt - 1

First quarter of Grandsire Doubles - 2

First quarter as cover - 6

Several Firsts in February were rung at this month's Second Saturday training session:

Call changes unassisted: Trish

Ringing up with assistance: Lesley

Leading: Richard

Not quite a First, but Best Ever leading: Becky

First attempt at ringing down in peal: Vicky

Rounds with back to the circle: Sue C, Amanda, Steve, Trish, Thomas, Richard, Lesley, Michael

First rounds at these sessions not on the dumb bell: Peter

Thank you as always to all the helpers

Rung at a District meeting at an appropriate speed as a treat for the ringer of the second.

First blows in the method for all.

Rung for the Maulden family service.

Rounds & Call Changes on the front 5.

First Sunday Service ringing - 6,7,8,9

Well done Warners!

Firsts in February at Bedfordshire Young Ringers practice:

Leading: Harry

Calling call changes from outside the circle: Joe, Sam, Declan, Oscar

Rounds unassisted: Joe

Ringing on his own, not on a dumb bell: Oscar

Ringing handbells: Harry

First of Minor - 1

First blows in the method, and first QP of S Major since 1992 - 4

First Quarter at first attempt- 1

For the ringer of 4. A very creditable first rounds after putting both strokes together. Very well done Nicola.

Rung for the BACBR 'First in February' initiative.

An enjoyable QP with humor blended in.

First inside - 3 (Congratulations!)

Humourous take-aways:

John's suggestion to kick coins across the floor to count the extents - particularly the start of the 9th extent when he missed.

At the 7th extent thinking about the first bob, I shouted "one!".

I also managed to augment the bells to when filling in the visitors book, wondering who rang bell 6 - John found this quite amusing.

A fun evening!

Association S Major practice at which the following Firsts in February were rung:

First Cornwall: Angela, Dean, Godfrey

First Cornwall this century: Jim

First blows of Lincolnshire: Paul

First Lincolnshire this century: Godfrey

First Superlative: Louise

Treble to PB Triples: Karen

First as Conductor

First in over 34 years for 2nd

First calling changes

Tower practice at which the following Firsts in February were rung:

First Leading rounds and call changes – Judy

First 120 touch of Plain Bob Doubles – Ruth

First 120 Plain Bob Doubles – Steve H

Steve G declined to ring facing the wall again, but is investigating any connection with the Goodenough ringers at Luton and St Albans.

In fond memory of Barbara Routledge (17/1/24), a past member of the local band.

First on eight, 1 & 8. First Grandsire Triples - 1, First tenor behind - 8

For the Bedfordshire Assn 'Firsts in February' initiative.

First of Grandsire - 2. First QP this week for all!

By ringers from Elstow and Kempston in fond memory of Barbara Routledge (17/1/24), who was a past member of the band at both towers.

Also, for the Bedfordshire Assn 'Firsts in February' initiative

First in method - 6

First QP, 1 & 6 at first attempt.

Rung for the Bedfordshire Assn 'Firsts in February' initiative.

First of triples - 1. First triples as cover bell - 8.

Rung for the Bedfordshire Assn 'Firsts in February' initiative.

First touch for 2

First calling call changes (C)

First course of Stedman for 2 and 4

First blows in the method: 2

First Quarter of Cornwall: 4,6 and as conductor

First TB Major on the treble

First course tonight that didn't include a 'first'!

First Swindon S Royal - 2

For Beds Assn ' Firsts in February'

First Yorkshire S Royal since lockdown - 6

For Beds Assn 'Firsts in February'

First blows of Cambridge S Royal - 6

For Beds Assn 'Firsts in February'

1st rounds on this bell, and completely unaided - 5

Well done Oscar!

1st Minor - 1

First blows of Plain Hunt Doubles - 3

For Beds Assn 'Firsts in February' initiative.

First QP of Lincolnshire S Major - 4

In memory of Ivor Herman, one time Maulden ringer, on the 2nd anniversary of his passing.

Also, marking the recent retirement of Canon Lynda Klimas as Rural Dean following 10 years of dedicated service.

A late contribution to Bedfordshire Assn 'Firsts in February' initiative!

1st Quarter of Treble Bob - 1

First of treble bob - 1

First on 12 inside - 7

For Palm Sunday Evensong

Rung to mark the centenary of the bells augmentation to six.

First quarter on an inside bell - 3

To commemorate the 140th anniversary of the first peal by the Bedfordshire Association, Plain Bob Minor, rung here 26/4/1884.

First peal at the first attempt - 3

On the 140th anniversary of the first peal by the Bedfordshire Association, seven different extents of Plain Bob Minor, rung here 26/4/1884.

First QP of Grandsire Caters - 6

Cinques reduced, after being evicted from St Pauls Bedford due to a double booking with the BBC; with thanks to Rosemary Buckle and Alex Nash for standing down.

Remembering with affection David Alan Orr Hope (1955-2022), who was chorister, bell-ringer and server at this church. He is sadly missed by his many friends.

Martin Major would like to be associated with this peal.

Also, after the peal, Simon Melvin and Stuart Cracknell joined in some rounds in memory of David.

First of Minor - 1

Rung for Evensong and in memory of Sheila Collins who passed away in March, a long standing and faithful member of this Church.

1st in method: 2,3,4,6

With the best wishes of the band to organiser Linda Garton on her forthcoming Numeracy Assessment, and with thanks for standing down.

Completes the standard eight by an all women's band, to mark the Centenary of the first peal of Pudsey.

For Trinity Sunday Evensong.

To celebrate the Wedding of Frances and Jordan Batson.

The ringers wore their new Turvey T-Shirts for the first time.

Rung for peace on the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings

80th Commemoration of D-Day

Ringing out for Peace commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

First peal on the bells

Rung to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Remembering the generosity of Andrew Underwood, a parishioner at Steppingley, whose legacy helped to fund the refurbishment and augmentation of these bells to six.

Rung to mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

To mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings

And to welcome the Rev Chris Lowdon and his wife Tracy to the Benefice

For the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings

Rung prior to lighting the village beacon in memory of those who died for us.

John Maddison would have been with us but (as usual) he was in charge of the beacon.

To mark the 80th anniversary of the D day landings

Ringing to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings.

For the 80th anniversary of D-Day

For the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Ringing out for peace, 80th anniversary of D-Day

In memory of those who died for us.

Rung for Peace and to mark the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings.

To mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings

Ringing prior to the service commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

Rung prior to the town act of remembrance of the D day landings

Rung to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings

For the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings

With best wishes to Cliff Izzard (former tower captain) for his 93rd birthday (20 June). A peal attempt called round.

First on 12 as conductor.

To welcome Hazel Rose Manktelow, born 22 June to Claire and Michael, first grandchild to Helen and Tony and another great grandchild for Cliff Izzard.

1st quarter as conductor

Rung to commemorate the ministry of Tempsford Methodist Chapel which closed June 2023.

Ringing prior to the Tempsford Airfield Veteran's Association summer gathering service.

80th anniversary of when the SOE Violetta Szabo flew out to Europe on her second and final mission.

On the occasion of the wedding of Rachael and David in Carlton House Terrace, St James’s, London. At the church where Rachael Harlow was christened.”

To mark the Commissioning of Nicola(ringer of 2) as a Lay Leader of Worship during this mornings service.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Rev Christopher Strong's ordination, and Victor and Audrey Brand's 65th wedding anniversary. Remembering Peter Mossman, a lifelong Campton resident who died recently aged 99.

In thanksgiving for the life and entertaining company of our dear friend Randall Perrey

Rung in association with Bedford River Festival, fondly remembering Robert C (Chris) Kippin, John R Mayne, and Richard C L Brown.

First of Erin - 7

For Choral Evensong

Rung in thanksgiving for the life of Ruth Betts a life lived to the full tragically cut short whilst hill walking in Scotland. Ruth supported the ringing at Woburn for 20 years and rung over 100 QP’s conducted by Raymond Watkin who is associated with this tribute.

To celebrate Martin Major's 80th birthday tomorrow (18th August)

First 720 - 1. Well done Mia!

For Evensong

First quarter peal for 6

First quarter peal of Grandsire Doubles for 4

Louise Mackie's second peal. Her first peal was rung over 45 years ago, on 25th November 1978, Grandsire Caters at Hillingdon, conducted by Michael J Palmer

500th QP - 7

In memory of Ruth Betts, an accomplished ringer and stalwart of this tower. Rung by a band of local ringers and friends. She’ll be greatly missed.

Elizabeth Churchill wishes to be associated with this quarter peal.

First in method - 2

Rung in loving memory of Randall R Perrey, ringer and chorister at this church for almost 50 years.

First Quarter Inside - 2

Rung in loving memory of Randall R Perrey, ringer and chorister at this church for almost 50 years.

1st in method - 4 & 6

Rung half-muffled following the funeral of Neville Peerman.

Neville contributed much to the St Barnabas Church family for over 20 years which included ringing the bells and as a Churchwarden.

1-First quarter at first attempt.

For Battle of Britain Sunday and also to welcome Rev'd Timothy Robb back to the Parish following his sabbatical

In loving memory of Pat Staite, ringer at St Peter's for many years, who died on 26th June 2024

Birthday compliments to ringers of 5&6 and also Ros Ashton and Sarah Ward.

Get well wishes to Cliff Izzard, father to ringer of the third and also to John Loveless.

To celebrate the life of Raymond Watkin, former Tower Captain of Woburn, who died recently.

With thanks to David Middleton who stepped down when we met short to ring on 8

Following the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Sally Strong, a much loved member of this church and community.

A Bedford District Meeting: the first ringing on these bells for some time.

Rung before the Service of Thanksgiving for the Completion of the Restoration Works and Commemorating Saint Leonard, at which The Bishop Of Bedford, Rt Rev Richard Atkinson gave the Address

After the Quarter Peal we were joined by Tracey Lowdon who rang in the Service Touch of 120 Grandsire Doubles

First peal on 10 - 5

For All Saints

With grateful thanks to Cliff Izzard whose inspired leadership has ensured the maintenance of the bells and ringing at this Church over many years, and it will continue to do so. This peal would have been rung for his 93rd birthday in June had we been successful. Helen and Tony Manktelow, who were unable to ring today, are associated with this peal.

Rung for Remembrance, prior to wreath laying at Eaton Socon War Memorial. Reuben Spencer (aged 3) chimed the service bell.

1st quarter at 1st attempt: 1

1st quarter since 1984: 3

With thanks to the Vicar and electrician for allowing us to ring while new lighting and heating is being installed.

With the best wishes of the band to Rosemary Mason for a continuing recovery. Rosemary was discharged to home in Leicester last week after a 2 year stay in hospital/rehabilitation, following an accident during Covid.

This QP was arranged by 5 to mark the 5th anniversary of the passing of the former tower captain, Ron Battams. The band was carefully selected so that it was made up of those who were members of the former Wednesday night practice at Aspley, or those who knew Ron. James Saunders was due to be part of this band, but was unwell. He would like to be associated with this performance, and thanks to Godfrey for stepping in.

Richard Lanyon-Hogg would also like to be associated with this performance, and has kindly written some words about Ron:

In Loving Memory of Ron Battams
(5th June 1939 – 8th December 2019)

Tower Captain of St. Botolph’s, Aspley Guise, 1976–2019.
A devoted ringer, teacher, and friend,
Ron shared his wisdom, patience, and joy with all who knew him.
Through decades of quiet, steadfast service,
he was a pillar of strength in ever-changing times,
dedicated to his church, his village, and the ringing tradition.

A true gentleman, Ron nurtured generations of ringers,
guiding with kindness, humor, and an unerring sense of purpose.
His legacy lives on, ringing out through the bells he loved
and the countless lives he touched along the way.

“Ears, ears, ears” – his steady call still echoes in our hearts.

Rung as a dedication to Gordon Sell who died on 1st November 2024

This was the last touch of the Biggleswade District meeting and is dedicated to the memory of Cliff Izzard.

Rung for the Woburn Estate Carol Service

First on 8 Tenor

5: First in Method

5: First of Stedman Triples and 50th Quarter Peal

Remembering Bob Churchill

Most methods to a Peal - 4

Rung in fond remembrance of our friend Cliff Izzard.

Martin Major wishes to be associated with this tribute.

200th peal, 100th in the tower, 50th on this bell : 5

25th together : 5 and 3 also 5 and 1

250th together : 2 and 4

Marking the centenary of the 1924 Gillett and Johnston back six.

Also remembering Cliff Izzard of Kempston, one of Bedfordshire's best, who died recently.

First of Treble Bob: 1.

Rung before the christening of Ophelia Ann Rawlings.

Rung for the 40th anniversary of Clive’s first peal, in which the ringers of 6 and 7 also rang. Rung in memory of Cliff Izzard who also rang in the original peal. Wishing a speedy recovery to Charlotte Smith and Helen Manktelow who were to have rung in this peal.