Page 35 - BR August 2023

August 2023 August 2023

RINGSTEAD BAY - 2016 BERE REGIS HISTORY SOCIETY
Pre-Restoration Survey of Church, 1871
“Ringers tomorrow. 0735 at mine?” This familiar message pinged its invitation on
my computer. “See you in the morning” I replied and so Emile, my near neighbour In August 1871 members of the British Archaeological
and great swimming buddy were set up for our usual early Sunday morning swim Association visited Bere Church and, although noting the
at Ringstead Bay. What did we do before the days of emails and computers? inspiring ancient architecture, were somewhat critical of the
Well, actually pick up the telephone and speak to each other but I have to state of the building and the fittings. The most alarming was
admit, it is an easy form of communication. that the columns and arches separating the north aisle were
leaning outwards perilously. The walls had squalid dressings of
No alarms are needed in the morning whitewash, the box-pews and floor were rickety. The great
as I am always awake by 5.30am. Two west window had been bricked up for
cups of tea, a cup of coffee and a many years, tradition saying for the
biscuit prepare me for the day. A convenience of villagers who were given
quick wave to Diana and I am off. The Church interior in to the game of rackets. There were
drive to Ringstead is uneventful March 1873 immense quantities of earth piled up
enough though Emile does from time against the walls outside, almost
to time put his foot down to show me completely concealing the plinth at all
what the Porche will do (0 to 60 in 4.3 places; the result of centuries of burials
seconds!!). around the building. Inside, many
As we get to the top of the hill leading fitments had the legible graffiti in Latin
down to Ringstead it is there to greet "cito peritura" or "summon an expert". A
us, a fabulous view of Weymouth Bay and the backdrop of the Isle of Portland. Restoration Committee was set up
Even after all these years, it never fails to impress. consisting of the following: the Earl of
Eldon, Mr Montague Guest, Mr Charles
We arrive at the car park Hambro, Mr H. Williams, Mr C.J. Radclyffe
a couple of hundred junr., Mr N. Bond, Mr Arthur Mansel, Mr F.
yards from the beach to Lys, the vicar and the Churchwardens.
be greeted by Sean,
Richard, Alex and Liam all
duly wet-suited and raring John Pitfield
to go. The sun is already
peeking through a cloudy Projects Secretary
sky as we descend the
ramp onto the pebbled
beach. Several smooth
large boulders have been
conveniently laid out by nature at the top of the beach, ideal places to place our
gear on and to make our final preparations before entering the sea.
Costumes, wet suits, hats, goggles on, usual banter over and we are ready for our
swim. The steep pebbled bank is a little challenge especially as some of the
pebbles have sharp edges and can be quite painful. However, we are now all in
and a few short steps give us enough water to launch ourselves into our swim.
It is often difficult to describe the feeling of immersing oneself in cool fresh sea

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