The Branch striking competition was held at Padbury on the afternoon of Saturday September 4th .
The church at Padbury is perhaps best known for its 13th century mural of a wolf rescuing the head of St Edmund from the Danes, but also houses an uncomplicated 10cwt ring of six ideal for a striking
competition.
Three bands entered, from Lillingstone Lovell, Padbury, and Shenley and Loughton
The Padbury band, who rang Plain Bob Doubles
The band from Shenley and Loughton, who rang St Martins Doubles
The judges were the father and daughter team of Elizabeth and Jonathan Pawley, from Leighton Buzzard.
Shenley/Loughton accumulated 12 faults, and were declared the winners, followed by Padbury with 22 faults and Lillingstone Lovell with 25.
The impressive Colin Snack trophy was presented to John Brookman by Jessica and Leo, the grandchildren of the Padbury tower captain, Richard Stanworth
Thanks must go to the Padbury ringers for hosting the competition and providing a splendid tea, to the judges for doing a difficult and thankless task well, and to Barry Eglesfield for organising the day
The winners will go on to represent the branch at the Guild 6-bell competition in October, at Stoke Goldington