– the test piece being a two-course touch of Stedman Cinques.

The draw will follow a welcome by George Bush in the church at 10.45am. Ringing will commence at 11.30am and follow the usual format.

The pub, which is specially opening for us between 10am and 4pm, is ‘The Fine Line’ in Bow Churchyard, just yards from the church. This will be open for bacon butties, tea, coffee, et c., from 10am and will be serving lunch from about midday.

The chief judge this year is David Dearnley who will be assisted by the formidable team of Jennie Town and David House. They will have the use of a sound feed very kindly provided by Adrian Udal. Results are expected to be announced in the church at about 4.30pm, followed by presentation of the trophy to the winning team by Nigel Taylor, representing Alan Hughes of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. Post results drinking will be in the ‘The Watling’.

Keep an eye out for Hannah Wilby who will try to sell you something on behalf of the proposed re-hanging of Southwark Cathedral bells and Michael Uphill who will try equally hard to sell you one of the remaining copies of ‘Tales from the London County Crypt’, the first copies of which were sold at Bow five years ago – in aid of the Surrey Association Bell Restoration Fund.

As usual all are welcome to come and enjoy a day which has rapidly established itself as one of the more enjoyable in the London ringing calendar with good ringing, lovely bells, a pub full of ringers and all of the usual gossip and banter that such a combination brings. See you there!

[see also the London 12 Bell Competition website]