Southwark Cathedral practice 15/08/2018

An opportunity to grab this gorgeous but very challenging recently restored ring of 12 on their practice night after a quarter peal and theatre trip.

The long draft isn't too bad but highlights the necessity for spot on handling and constantly ringing to the balance point at every stroke which is easier said than done on some bells as there is significant tower movement. The 5th and 6th were a particularly challenging bells though the 4th seemed relatively easy. However, the band made everything look so easy!

On the bench just behind the 10 and 11th the full power of the back bells can be heard, almost sending vibrations through the ringing room.

A huge thank you to simonbellringer for taking bellr1ngersteph, Andrew Alford and me to the practice, for providing some additional photos and a huge thank you to the really welcoming band for accommodating us and assisting us when ringing. When going to the belfry, for some photos and to help with the muffles, the bells themselves were massive though there was a distinct smell of steam engine oil.

A mixture of Stedman Cinques, Bristol, Zanussi and Cambridge Maximus was rung.