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A Slow Coach to Lincolnshire

The sun was just appearing over the horizon as 30 ringers, and 11 family members and friends finally set off on the long awaited Central Branch outing. After many changes to the churches and the ringing times over the previous weeks it was good to be finally on our way. Although it did feel at times as if the coach driver was under the impression that we were on a scenic tour with no concern for any time schedule to be kept to.

We arrived at Boston in brilliant sunshine, barely on time, but with a long way to climb to the ringing chamber ending up starting a little late. The ringing chamber with the ropes positioned against the walls in a large tower, proved a challenge so early in the morning. The stunning views from the external gallery more than made up for the long climb and we all safely made our way back down the 195 steps.

Onward, slowly at times, to Burgh le Marsh arriving late for a fine ring of 8, in a church with a very unusual external clock face.

Finally arriving in Ingoldmells for lunch, we all found different ways of spending the time before the next ring. Some brave young ones heading for the so called pleasure of the Fantasy Island funfair, which even from a safe distance looked very scary. Others heading for the beach to look for the sea, which was eventually found by our Chairman and his sons, although they failed to persuade him to paddle in it. Some of the less adventurous types simply retired to the nearest pub opposite the church for bar lunches, which proved to be enormous meals served in double quick time.

Ringing time at Ingoldmells came and went with no sign of anyone with a key, had the revised timetable of the Chairman been misunderstood? We all talked about the prospect of a lockout, but finally the woman with the key arrived after ringing for a wedding where the bride had been very late. We all enjoyed a shortened ring, but thankfully with no steps to climb at this ground floor ring.

Back down the coast again, past mile after mile of holiday caravans and cabbages, once again arriving a little late at Friskney. A fine ring, originally rung from ground floor but now rung from a new gallery high up in the tower.

Finally across country to Horncastle, arriving late again, for a brief ring before evening service. Much amusement at times as a number of people caught hold of a bell which wasn’t the treble and proceeded to call; “look to, trebles going!”

Thanks to Brian Sanders for organising a really grand day out, but next year can we please have a faster driver! If you missed this year’s outing, make sure you get your name down early for next year.

John A Courtney

12 th October 2005