The Ottery Outing 2004
The Ottery St Mary Ringer’s Outing is becoming the big “must do” event in the East Devon Calendar. The 2004 version, organised by Richard Coley, confirmed this view with its blend of good towers, good route and excellent company.
We set out from Ottery at near break of day
On a dull autumn morning, the sky it was grey
The weather map showed just one patch of sun
Right over the tower of church number one
We were blessed.
The coach it was filled with Ottery’s best
Supported by stars from around the South West
The talk was of ringing of towers we had known
And one or two saying how fat I had grown
This year
We travelled through Exeter over the Exe
Then out beyond Crediton wherever next
Then Dick on the tannoy announced the first stop
At Winkleigh and there was the church on the top
Of a hill
We climbed up the steps and opened the door
We were greeted with coffee and biscuits galore
The ringing was good we made a good sound
But kindness like that is so rarely found
We were touched
Then on to Torrington perched on a hill
I’ve rung there before at least once but still
I’m drawn by the view from the car park in town
The ringing was good we let nobody down
We were hot.
After lunch from a lunch box Bideford loomed
I suppose from the outset our efforts were doomed
The ringing fell short of the standard we’d set
I guess after lunch it’s a good each way bet
That it would
But then on to Appledore a first for a few
Has any church got a more lovely view?
Here we returned to the standard of yore
I put it down to the view from the door
And our skill
The cream tea as promised in Bideford town
Was less than ideal as the place was closed down
I own that it wasn’t the summer, I’m sure
But isn’t cream tea a part of the draw
Of the west
And then we were back on the trail once again
Shadows were lengthening sky was aflame
To Hatherleigh now we wended our way
And this was the tower that ended our day
It was fun
A fish and chip supper a room full of noise
A charabanc packed full of tired girls and boys
Sped back to Ottery and left us each one
With fond memories of a day in the sun
A success
Thank you Richard for organising another wonderful Outing. See you all next year.
Laurie Palmer
bravenet.com