The District Practice at Beckenham on 24^th January was attended by approximately 15 people, and whilst this was not a great turnout, the ringing was of a very high standard. We rang Call changes on 10 (twice), Plain hunt on 9, Grandsire Caters, Stedman Caters, Little Bob Royal, Plain bob Minor, Grandsire triples, Yorkshire S.Royal, and spliced London No3, Cambridge, Yorkshire & Little Bob Royal. We then went to the Pub!

It is with great sadness that I must announce the death of Olive Rogers on Friday January 16^th at the West Middlesex Hospital. Olive had been in hospital for some three weeks. Whilst Olive was not a District ringer, she was one of the best-known London ringers of the post-war era, and very much involved at Southwark, amongst other towers. She and her husband Harold achieved a great deal for London ringing, welcoming many to the exercise. She will be sadly missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Harold, son Chris, and her larger family.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday 27^th January at All Sainst, Isleworth, at 12.00 noon, followed by a cremation at Mortlake Crematorium. All are Invited to attend the Church, and refreshments are available afterwards.

The meeting at Erith on the 10^th January was well attended (approx. 45 people) and was preceded by some good ringing including Grandsire, Stedman, Call-changes and 8-spliced, a service touch of Bristol, a pleasant service and a fantastic tea. Many thanks go to the local ringers for their hospitality. The meeting was not too long, and mainly uneventful. After the meeting there was more ringing until 8.30.

The District Carol Service was held at Beckenham on Saturday December 13^th. It was attended by approximately 30 members, perhaps a little dissapointing, but those who came enjoyed an excellent service. The service included six lessons and carols, with two solos by Lucy Weston and two organ solos and a voluntary by Mark Jones, who played the organ throughout. Mark also arranged the order of the service. My thanks go to both of them for all their hard work and skill.

After the service, we enjoyed some mulled wine, mince pies, stollen, extra ringing and chat! An excellent start to the festive season! May I wish all District members (and everyone else!) a very happy Christmas and an enjoyable and successful New Year.

The Practice at Crayford on Saturday 6^th December was attended by 16 people who rang Grandsire Triples, Stedman Triples, Crayford Little Bob Major!?!?!, Cambridge, Yorkshire and 8-spliced S Major. Most of the ringing was good. Please come to the next practice at Beckenham (see District Practices section).

On the 14^th November 1903, the Tower, Clock and Bells of St George's Beckenham were dedicated by the Archbishop of Canterbury. To mark the Centenary of this event, the 9.30 Eucharist on November 16^th 2003 had a ringing theme. Canon David Grimwood gave the Sermon during which we demonstrated Plain Hunt on 7 using hand-bells and eight "volunteers". We also arranged a display at the back of the Church, gave a demonstration in the Tower at the end of the service, and in the afternoon rang a Peal of Grandsire Caters, 5003 by Mark C.Liebenrood, who used to ring with us at Beckenham during the late 80's.

The Practice at Chelsfield was held on November 15^th, after the Competition at Downe. I was particularly pleased to welcome some of the Shoreham ringers, one of whom rang plain hunt for the first time, and did so very well - well done! We rang Cambridge, Beer Treble Place Minor, Grandsire Doubles, Stedman Doubles, Call Changes, Plain Hunt on 5, Plain Bob Minor and Single Oxford Bob Minor. Approximately approximately 14 people attended the Practice.

I am sorry to report the death of Walter Dobbie on Wednesday 17^th September. Walter was, I believe, a member of the Association for 71 years, and many of us will remember his amazing skill as a craftsman making and repairing handbells, the Jubi-Peal which has been used for many District events, and all manner of beautiful woodwork projects. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sheila at this time. Walter's funeral will be at West Peckham on Thursday 25^th.

I must apologise for the total lack of activity on this site during the last few months - a number of unexpected things have happened this year that have occupied my time, and as a result the site and practice arrangements have fallen behind.

We are now back on track, however, and I will endeavour to keep the site up to date from now on.

The following is a "potted" version of the News so far this year:

Several practices have been held, and were well attended - especially the recent practice at Beckenham where we rang 3-spliced S royal!! (Lno3,Y,C). This is, I believe, a first for the District. We have had practices at St.Mary Cray, Beckenham (x2), Crayford & Eltham. In addition to these, we have started to hold quarterly (approx.) Surprise Royal practices at Beckenham, which, whilst not being a "District" event, are open to anyone wishing to practice their S.Royal. The next one is on 19^th July 7-9 p.m.

The District came 4^th in the County six-bell, represented by Chelsfield. Thanks go to them for representing us once again.

Lastly, the District came first in the County 8-bell competition this year, ringing Stedman Triples. The results are on Frank's KCACR web site. The band was as follows:

7^th February - St Mary Cray, 7-9 p.m…..Call Changes, Plain Bob Doubles and Minor, London S. Minor.

13^th March - Dartford, 7-9 p.m…..Call Changes, Stedman Triples, Gradnsire triples, Superlative S. Major.

24^th April - Horton Kirby, 7-9 p.m….T.B.C.

8^th May - St Nicholas Chislehurst, 7-9 p.m…..T.B.C.

More Practices to be announced soon…….

6^th March - 6 Bell Method Competition - Crayford.

20^th November - Call-change Competition - (venue T.B.A.)

11^th December - District Carol Service - Horton Kirby