The hard-working Kempston ringers produced not merely a striking competition but also a ringing festival. Handbell ringing took place in the church hall. Alistair Donaldson's Maplestead mini-ring was housed in the church's south porch, and demanded every bit as much concentration as the big bells - at twice the speed. Several neighbouring towers had kindly agreed to open for general ringing during the competition, a popular initiative which added interesting variety to the programme. The wonderful refreshments provided by the local band rather impaired one's willingness to venture over to the churchyard to hear the ringing. As a result, many people missed the most dramatic moment of the competition, when the tenor clapper fell out during the second band's practice piece. It was swiftly and efficiently replaced, and the lost time was made up during the course of the afternoon. Sadly, the first band subsequently opted to withdraw, feeling that the clapper must have been loosening during their test piece and that this had impaired the quality of their ringing.

There was some lovely ringing during the day, with many appreciative remarks about these excellent bells. The judges, Jennie and Philip Earls, entertained and informed us with their comments.