Belfry Gossip
To the right is the official Jubilee logo.
Golden Jubilee celebrations don’t come round every day, as some members of our congregation can readily testify. According to the history books, there have only been five sovereigns of England or the United Kingdom who have achieved this distinction. They are Henry III, Edward III, George III Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. So, as well as the joy and affection of a Jubilee, there is a remarkable achievement to celebrate, and a lifetime of dedicated service to honour.
The Queen herself has let it be known that she does not want enormous pomp and circumstance; people celebrating happily in their local neighbourhoods and communities are very much the sort of thing she has in mind. Hence the local Rushden Town Council is hoping people will join in the celebrations being organised in the Hall Park including a large street party without the street. The main focus of celebration in this country will be centred around June 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
It seems appropriate therefore, that we should take our cue from the Queen and gear our ringing to the "local" scene. Unfortunately some of our ringers will be away, particularly during that weekend, but undoubtedly we shall ring over that period.
On Day 1 – Saturday June 1st, there will be many peal attempts throughout the country.
On Day 2 – Sunday June 2nd, churches are being encouraged to hold special Jubilee Services preceded
by ringing.
On Day 3 – Monday June 3rd, nearly 500 beacons are to be lit at nightfall. Special activities are
being held in the Hall Park. Ringing can fit in with these arrangements.
On Day 4 – Tuesday June 4th,the whole celebration comes together with the National Service of Thanksgiving
at St. Paul’s Cathedral timed for 11 30a.m. Ringing will not take place
during the time of the service, but before or afterwards.
The Church Council has asked the Fabric Committee to re-open the possibility of providing an upstairs ringing room, thereby freeing up the area of the present room for other church activities. Denis Pearson, the architect who drew up the initial plans some years ago, has been requested to provide detailed drawings and will provide the committee with three estimates for the work. Denis, who is a partner in the firm of architects used by St. Mary’s, and is also an experienced ringer, is fully conversant with our requirements.
At the time of compiling this month’s Gossip, our ringing has so far not been interrupted by the work to the spire and tower, but we shall be guided by the architect and builders. There will come a time when we shall be unable to ring on certain Sundays – the ringers can then enjoy a cup of coffee in the Church Hall!
For our Friday practice evenings we shall either be joining another tower’s practice and thereby helping out and doing some good, or we shall take over a tower for the evening. Will ringing for any weddings be affected? Whatever transpires we must keep our ringing going.
It was with some sadness that we successfully attempted a quarter peal in thanksgiving for the life of Grace Bates. Grace had been a loyal and active member of St. Mary’s for well over 60 years, and had been a member of our church choir for most of that time.
Ivy Hodgkins, now living in Leamington Spa, has equally been a long serving member of St. Mary’s and like her friend Grace, served many years in the choir. Ivy recently celebrated her 90th birthday and the ringers not only sent their best wishes, but also attempted a quarter peal in her honour. With her late husband Stan, she took great interest in our ringing and our ringers and has generously supported the work of the belfry over many years. Stan was one of the first ringers recruited to ring the newly augmented bells in 1953 and became the adult leader of the teenage ringers at that time – and some took some handling!
Just published in our national weekly newspaper, the Ringing World, is an analysis of quarter peal ringing for 2001. For the county of Northamptonshire, Rushden St. Mary comes out top.
A Happy Easter to everyone.
We’re ringing at 7 30a.m. on Easter Day.
www.stmarysringers.org.uk
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