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Past Events

Society of Cambridge Youths Tercentenary Dinner (21st September)

Our friends at the Society of Cambridge Youths are celebrating their 300th anniversary in 2024, and a strong contingent from the University Guild (including Quarter Peel!) attended their Tercentenary Dinner held at Trinity College. Over the course of the evening we were treated to a book launch, a three course dinner with cheese, many opportunities to drink a toast with the SCY Master, and a handbell touch of the Game of Thrones methods. Even better, we had the opportunity to boo Oxford on several occasions; although the guest speaker, Simon Linford, dared describe our CUGCR Dinner as a 'bear pit'! Someone's made it onto the blacklist for future dinners...

Our thanks go out to the whole organising committee, especially Liz Orme, Phil Orme, Dave Richards, Gareth Davies, and George Unsworth, for putting together a fantastic event. We would also like to thank the generous donors whose input lowered the cost of many of our tickets, enabling many more young people to attend.

Guild Holiday (30th August - 6th September)

2024 saw the return of Guild Holiday, this year hosted in the New Forest. One of the highlights was a day trip the beach at Bournemouth for walks along the sea front, ringing at Sacred Heart church (an interesting ring with sprung-steel stays), and an escape room, with one team setting a room record. We also visited and rang at Brownsea island with beautiful walks of the woodlands and many red squirrels. Being on a National Trust site poses a unique set of challenges for these bells, as the church has no electricity and ringing is spaced apart to avoid disturbing wildlife. The final ringing of the holiday was an outing to local towers in Fordingbridge, Breamore, and Downton which was successful despite car troubles and flood-risk rains. Breamore was the most memorable tower of the bunch, being an easy-going ground floor ring of 4 in the centre of the church, but one of the loudest rings many of us had come across.

The rest of the week was spent away from bells, with walks through the nearby countryside, a visit to an inflatables-in-a-lake water park, blackberry picking, picnics, BBQs, and plenty of board games. This trip also saw our mascot, Peel, meet his younger sister, Quarter Peel, for the first time and both accompanied us throughout.

Alternative Dinner (12th June)

In a change of scene compared to the previous two years, the Guild headed to Millworks for post-exam (for most!) celebrations. After a good meal with good company, we headed back to Pembroke College for further drinks and snacks. We were treated to the traditional reading from the Guild Quote Book, accompanied by a creative presentation revealing this year's top scorers - no doubt something for our new Quote Book Keeper to take inspiration from! After all Alternative Committee roles had been passed on, and some 'unique' Eastern European alcohol had been sampled, among other shenanigans, the night eventually came to a close. Many thanks to Ben for organising and hosting a fantastic evening.

Ridgman Competition (8th June)

In the morning of 8th June 2024, we left Cambridge in two cars, bound for Biggleswade. The Ridgman Trophy is an annual ten bell striking contest named in honour of Bill Ridgman, past CUG President. East Anglian territorial associations, along with the Guild, can enter one band each. This year, the test piece was a touch of Grandsire Caters, and we were able to enter a band composed predominantly of students, who had largely started ringing on higher numbers after coming to Cambridge. Ringing second, we made positive use of our practice time on the bells — a beautiful and easy-going light ten — before a very presentable execution of the test piece. The rest of the day was spent socialising with each other and those from other bands, along with exploring Biggleswade. Whilst we only came fifth out of the six teams that entered, we regarded this as a great result. The standard of ringing had been high, with it being quite close between the bands, as reflected in the judges’ scores and commentary. Additionally, it was pleasing to beat the Ely Diocesan Association, the territorial association that includes Cambridge. Overall, it was a wonderful day out, with particular thanks due to those who organised it and those who gave lifts to carless students.

Annual Dinner Weekend (15-17th March)

This year's dinner weekend saw the Guild return to Christ's college. During the day six quarters and two peals were scored, as well as two handbell quarters the previous day, with plenty of 'firsts' scattered throughout. In the evening, attendees were entertained with speeches from guests Gareth Davies and Chris Rogers, and a handbell touch of Stedman Cinques. Festivities continued well into the next day, at several pubs around Cambridge. Many thanks to all who helped make the weekend a success!

Pancake Day (13th February)

The Guild gathered at Wychfield for another great pancake day. Sadly no pancake-eating records were broken, however this year saw the introduction of curry and sriracha toppings tempting even the anti-curry officers. With thanks to Amy and Oliver for organising!

Guild New Year (29th December 2023 - 2nd January 2024)

Eight ringers made a trip to the Master's home in deep dark Devon, ready for a long weekend of New Year fun. Activities included a day of ringing and climbing in Exeter, a pub lunch at the coast in, ringing the New Year in at a 'characterful' six, and a successful date touch. Plus, of course, plenty of (very) late night board games! Thanks to all who came for helping us kick off 2024 in style.

Downing Formal (15th November 2023)

Eager for the first guild formal of the year, we headed to Downing College to close out week 6. It was lovely to take a break from work and catch up largely away from ringing chat - even if a quarter peal ended up getting organised. We finished the evening in the TV room with more chat and copious amounts of free lemonade, courtesy of the May Ball. Many thanks to Oliver for organising, especially given his eventual lack of ticket. Who knew fellows couldn't bring guests to formals - or even attend!

Freshers' Cycle Outing (15th October 2022)

This year on our cycle outing we stayed fairly close to Cambridge going to St Ed's, Chesterton, Fen Ditton and Horningsea with pizza for lunch at the Haymakers after the second tower. Despite the attempted sabotage by the Bristol Max practice and wedding ringing we managed about 15 people in total across all the towers including the baby Dann, though unfortunately he's not ringing yet. We rang some interesting things, including some Grandsire and Stedman Doubles spliced at Horningsea courtesy of Ben.

Guild Week (20-24th August 2022)

The annual Guild Week saw a glorious return, with vast swathes of CUGCR ringers heading to Beverley, North Yorkshire for the week. It saw the Guild ring at over 30 different towers, varying between famous twelves like Beverley and York Minsters to threes and fives. Over the week, 2 quarters and 4 peals were scored, including Stedman Cinques at Hull. Other ringing highlights include impressively rung Standard 8 and many new methods for students. The week was excellently organised, with more lock-ins than lock-outs and plenty of ringing fun for everyone.

Trinity Hall June Event (23rd June 2022)

Embracing the Cambridge tradition, 17 guild members (plus guests) donned their finery and descended upon Trinity Hall to celebrate the end of term. Much dancing, a pyrotechnic artist, and a poorly executed attempt to ring minimus on swing boats were just some of the varied forms of entertainment on offer over the course of the evening. An enjoyable night ensured that a similar event is likely to feature more in the guild calendar in the years to come.

Alternative Dinner (22nd June 2022)

In what is becoming almost a tradition in itself, this year’s Alternative Dinner was held not at a college but at Côte Brasserie, with apéritifs held in Christ’s Fellows’ Garden, and post-dinner drinks overlooking the Market Square (thanks to Chris for hosting). Good food, reminiscing through readings from the quote book, and the culmination of a close-fought competition between the curry and anti-curry officers saw a good time had by all.

Rounders and Cardboard Boat Race (19th June 2022)

A day of boats, balls and bells! The guild undertook the challenge of constructing a cardboard boat - 'Stedman Sinks' - adorned with a mighty bell tower to compete in this years carboard boat race. It was a huge success; we reached the finish line and only sunk into the murky waters of the Cam when under attack from sunken pirates! Afterwards, the annual rounders match between the Guild and the Youths took place. Unfortunately, the guild tasted bitter defeat, achieving barely half the rounders of the Youths. The game wrapped up in perfect time for Evensong ringing at GSM.

Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race (3rd April 2022)

The annual Cambridge-Oxford boat race on the Thames is a major event in Britain’s sporting calendar, and presents obvious possibilities for Guild involvement and collaboration with the OUS. Per usual, the OUS rang at a tower on one end of the river, and we rang just over Putney Bridge at the other end. Both societies rang a quarter, in addition to some more general ringing. Afterwards, we met up together, and had an enjoyable catch-up. All very balanced—just like the results of the actual races!

Annual Dinner Weekend (18th March - 20th March 2022)

The annual dinner is the largest Guild event of the year, where Alumni Guild members rendezvous in Cambridge for a weekend. The weekend was full of events, starting with 2 handbell quarters and 2 handbell peals on Thursday and Friday. Over the weekend, there was ringing at St Bene’t’s, StAG, OLEM, and GSM, open to ringers of all abilities. On dinner day itself, a total of 3 peals and 7 quarter peals in tower were scored, with numerous firsts for many involved. St Clement’s church was also opened to visitors, where visitors were able to learn about the progress of the newest ring of six in Cambridge. Finally, the Guild had their annual dinner at Newnham college, which featured Tom Hooley, Greg Chu, and Nikki Thomas as speakers for the evening. The dinner was also accompanied by the ‘dinner touch’, a traditional handbell performance. We are incredibly grateful to the organisers for orchestrating such a successful weekend, as well as every participant for their enthusiasm.

Pancake Day (1st March 2022)

Undoubtedly one of the best ways to celebrate making it through week 5! The Guild went to James’ house and made many many pancakes (including vegan ones!). One of the strangest concoctions was a salt and vinegar pancake courtesy of Andrew, who assures us that it isn’t that bad. Chaos was kept to a minimum and a good time was had by all. Thank you to James Ellison for hosting (and his flatmates for bearing with us) and to Chris for organising!

OUS Joint Outing (19th February 2022)

A day to enjoy some ringing with our friend? rival? the OUS. This year we hit up an ambitious total of eight (!) towers in Bedfordshire. Highlights included spliced Cambridge and Oxford, rapid learning of Cargo Fleet (a CUGCR favourite), and even Cambridge Max at Luton. The day finished with former OUS and current Cambridge ringer Harriet Dann announcing that she is expecting! Congrats to Harriet, and many thanks to Melissa Nash for organising!

OUS Dinner (5th February 2022)

Like the CUG, the OUS has an annual dinner, and invitations are extended to us. This year, the Cambridge delegation comprised two current students, and we had a lovely day. There was ringing at a number of Oxford towers (including a quarter one of us was in), a warm social atmosphere, and of course a delicious meal at the end of the day. It was very enjoyable to meet ringers in Oxford (students and locals alike), and particularly those who had previously gone to Cambridge themselves. Thanks to the OUS for inviting us and for the fantastic hospitality.

Guild New Year (29th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022)

This year, 14 of us joined Stella in Oxfordshire for New Year, ringing in Oxford (booooo!), and at a few towers further away from our rivals in the OUS. As well as ringing, we played crazy golf and enjoyed a treasure hunt in the woods near the house. The Guild got off to a good start for annual pancakes eaten in 2022, with 55 pancakes consumed on New Year’s Day! We finished off the celebrations with a successful date touch, and also managed to squeeze in the 50th quarter peal of 2021, with plans for many more in 2022!

Christmas Dinner (4th December 2021)

Christmas 2021 saw a record 24 people descend on James and his unsuspecting housemates for turkey and all the trimmings (vegan alternatives available), followed by a total of three puddings fully aflame. Much merriment ensued, with a classic Secret Santa, and the traditional handbell carolling – replete with singing to rival any of the Cambridge choirs! A night full of good cheer to be remembered by all.

London Outing (27th November 2021)

Just when you thought we couldn’t get enough of London, the Guild descended upon the city yet again for more ringing (and more trips to cheap Spoons). With a nice mix of student ringers and older Guild members, we visited 5 towers and were able to ring many things from rounds for our learners to Surprise Major. Thank you to recent grad, John Hutchinson, for organising!

SUA (5th November – 7th November 2021)

After a year off, the SUA (a gathering of uni ringers from southern unis) returned once again, this time in London. Although we may have not been as successful in the striking contests as we may have hoped, we had plenty of fun visiting towers and having many pub trips (usually Spoons: this is London). With it being London, we had the opportunity to visit many 10 and 12 bell towers as well as ringing at the tower which claims that it held the first ever all-women peal! Many thanks to Bethan Hensman and Rhys Skillman of the UL for organising this weekend!

Cycle Outing (16th October 2021)

This year's cycle outing took us to the south of Cambridge, ringing around the Shelford area. The day started off with rings at Little and Great Shelford (the latter, slightly unusually, an anticlockwise tower), closely followed by a lengthy lunch break at the Plough Inn. A short walk over to Stapleford led us up a very well-hidden ladder to the ringing chamber, seemingly hidden inside a cupboard, before the cyclists headed back towards the final tower of the day - meanwhile, the bus cohort were almost stranded after walking to the wrong stop, until a passing empty bus kindly offered a private taxi service! Somehow, we all arrived at Trumpington for a ring on their eight bells, before calling it a day and heading for home. Many thanks to Jonny, our Assistant Master, for organising such an enjoyable day out!

Freshers’ Fair (5th October – 6th October 2021)

2021 saw the return of the in person Freshers’ Fair, and meant 2 year groups of students who had never seen (or heard) the Charmborough Ring before, which again drew a large audience as we were audible throughout the Fair. With 200 sign ups and over 50 people at taster sessions (a record number), this presented a challenge to Dima, our Teaching Officer, to find enough teachers and slots to fit in all of our keen new learners! We hope to continue to see many of them over the months and years to come.

Guild Week (20th August – 22nd August 2021)

We started off the weekend on Friday at Bourn, Toft and Little Eversden, then moved onto Harston, Meldreth, Pampisford, Ickleton, Thriplow and Great St Mary on the Saturday, finishing off the weekend with towers in Horningsea, Cherry Hinton, and a successful quarter of Plain Bob Triples at Fen Ditton. Congratulations to our Master for his first quarter on 8! The weekend was nothing short of incredible and was the ringing outing we have been looking forward to for over a year. Many thanks to the President for organising such an incredible event!

Guild Holiday (10th August – 15th August 2021)

An incredibly enjoyable event held in Altrincham, Manchester. Hosted by our Handbells officer, Andrew Roberts and his family. Over the course of the 5 days, we started off the week with a visit to Chester and walked around different historical sites and the wall, and finished the day off with a ring at Chester Cathedral, where Guild Member Jonathan Shanklin used to ring at! We then had rings in St Matthews at Stretford and Sacred Trinity in Manchester. We also played in an escape room, where one team had to steal gems, whilst the other had to break out of an orphanage. We then had a day out at Knutsford and had a lovely walk, before ending the trip with rings at Dunham Massey and Bowdon! Congratulations to Andrew and Thomas on their first minors (quarter) in tower!

Alternative Dinner (22nd June 2021)

This alternative dinner marked the first glimmer of going back to normality. The Guild was able to gather together to have an enjoyable evening together. We first started off having pre-drinks and nibbles at Peterhouse’s deer park, followed by a fantastic three-course dinner at the Hilton Hotel. We were all very chuffed with the meal, especially the dessert, which was a recreation of an apple but with moose and jelly! We finished the evening off with post-drinks under the big tree behind Queen’s, enjoying port, cheese and carrots! Congratulations to our newly elected alternative committee: Dima, Jadd, Thomas, Andrew, Kate, Chris and Stella!