Bad ringing

I have been getting fed with bell ringing for a while now - as my 1 regular reader will know. One of the main reasons is that standards seem static. Also...

• These days people do not expect to do any work between ringing practices.
• Nobody seems willing to advise others how to improve their ringing ("Your backstroke lead needs to be closer") so standards stay the same.
• We ring the same boring methods.

In short I am jaded. I am getting older and in the remaining ringing years I have left I should like to ring some new things. I am perfectly happy to help learners but there has to be something to keep ringers at my level interested. Another local tower is at a standard way beyond mine and I do not see the need to learn methods on 10.

I am starting to look at the adjacent branches and guilds.

The Next Election

In answer to my previous post, I now know that I will vote for my current MP at the next election. I emailed him a few nights ago and he responded with a very full answer (probably pre-prepared, although he did personalise it a bit) and it is clear that he and I see exactly eye to eye. There are a few good ones left. Sadly, as he pointed out, it is the Parliamentary machinery (not just the MPs) who are out to stop Brexit.

Brexit

I hadn't heard the news about Boris which Tregear Vean mentions: does anyone really think he stands a chance of replacing Mrs May?

I now trust very few politicians - they effectively took No Deal off the table which was surely a bargaining chip. I do support my local MP who always votes as I think he should: this leaves me with a problem. How do I register my discontent with the Conservatives and not vote for the MP I like? I have written to him to explain my current feelings on Brexit.

What I'll do at the next election I do not know.

Ignored again

I have blogged before about the way people seem to treat me in social occasions.

This evening it happened again. What a waste of my time!

I had gone out to ring church bells prior to a branch meal which had to be pre-booked. The ringing was OK and we went to the pub.

As I was on my own I waited to be seated so that couples could sit together; I took a seat near two people I know. Once seated the starters were brought out for those who had ordered them - some of us had not. While people were eating I tried to strike up a conversation with three people: this lasted 15 seconds and then I was ignored.

Eventually the mains came and I had decided to leave once I had finished mine as I did not order a dessert. So from arrival at the pub to me completing my meal was a whole hour. At that point the chap on my left did strike up a conversation, but why did he wait an hour to do so?

Anyway, I made a few comments out of politeness and left.

As it is I dislike eating too late as I often t do not sleep well after a late meal. I shall not go again.

I did not enjoy the evening and the food was over-priced. £13.00 for a Steak and Ale Pie - RIP OFF

Ash Wednesday - Incense

I was called in - at the last minute - to play for a service at a church a few miles away. It was yesterday, hence an Ash Wednesday service.

I had forgotten that there might be incense. My experience with this is not good. When I was organist at a town church they would always park the thurible (when not in use) near the organ and, hence, near the console. I put up with it but I don't know why.

To me, incense is just smoke because that is what people want to see. Totally pointless and downright unhealthy IMHO.

Exhausted

We had 19 music exams at school yesterday and I accompanied all but two of them. I am exhausted.

I planned to go ringing today but wonder if I actually shall; far easier to stay at home. I do need to go shopping, though. Suffice it to say I lack motivation but I take the view that my Saturday off is a chance to recharge my batteries. I am at work again tomorrow from 0800 to 1245.

I do find I check my email far too regularly. I need friends but only have one close one at present. Oh misery me.