Southern Universities Association Weekend 1998

…taken from ecg.devonringers.org.uk/java/pasthapsold.htm#SUA

…Armed with back-packs and only the most basic of details, the master and his treasurer [cheeky!] left Exeter St David’s late on the afternoon of Friday 13th November. Having realised that trying to write his essay on the train was a bad idea, Michael thought it would really impress the rest of the SUA if we both knew our standard 8 (not that it was any use). Well, that idea didn’t last too long, so enter stage left a random woman who used that classic chat up line (on Michael) “I think your hair looks lovely, I think you’re very brave!”. Hmm.

Eventually we arrived in London and soon found the first tower (a “nice” 3cwt 8). The rest of the evening was spent in the first pub we could find, where another classic quote was made, again directed at Michael. This time, a drunk old bloke put his arm around the aforementioned and declared “Oh sorry mate, I thought you were a bird!”. Drinking time soon ran out, and we headed back to the church hall.

Saturday morning, everyone woke up bright-eyed and bushy tailed and set out for the East End. The draws for the 6 and 8 bell competition were made, and to our horror, we realised that this left us with about five hours in between our test pieces. So we drank. And drank. And then drank some more! By the time it actually came to the ringing, we simply couldn’t care. In our three minutes practice time, we rang hunting on 6, the front and back 5, and hunting on 4. The test piece was (kind of) Plain Bob Doubles (on the back five), which confused the judges and Michael. Then, back to the pub for the results; it was a miracle – WE DIDN’T LOSE! In the 6 bell we actually beat London by over 100 faults, though they were considerably more drunk then us! The rest of the evening was filled with eating curry and (yup! You’ve got it) more drinking. The majority of us arrived back at the hall at midnight, emphasis on the majority though, as Michael and Cardiff staggered in just after two.

Sunday morning consisted of three more towers and the afternoon included two more pubs. A brilliant time was had by all, and for once, the balance of drinking and ringing on a weekend tour was severely weighted the right way:

Towers – 6
Pubs – 7!

By Stephen Chambers