Military Funeral: It was with great sadness, particularly for the residents of Rushden, to hear of the death of Trooper Carl Smith. He died as a result of a road accident while on military combat in Iraq. He was the 101st British soldier to be killed in action in that country. Half muffled ringing preceded the service at St. Mary’s. We were able to muster eight of our own ringers and had at least three more offering their services. The ringing was clearly heard on the TV coverage both by the BBC and ITV. Unfortunately we were unable to ring after the service as several of the band had further ringing commitments later in the day.
With practice night on the same day, the bells had to be lowered, muffles taken off and the bells raised again. On the Sunday evening we rang a quarter peal in thanksgiving for the life of Carl and his call of duty. The method rung was Superlative Surprise Major – not the easiest, but we coped.
Practice Nights: Since 1953, our practice night has always been on a Friday. Why Fridays? At that time, no other tower in the area practised on Fridays and with the young band of teenagers mostly still at Wellingborough Grammar School, Friday was a good evening because homework could be completed any time during the weekend. What happens now? Starting at 7pm. and with three of the ringers already there, the 8 bells are raised into the ringing position. The dead flies are hoovered from the carpet. The chairs come in useful as the week’s activities, both ecclesiastical and secular are chewed over. The affairs of the church are put to right and by then at least two more ringers arrive. We then try some 5 or 6 bell methods and as the next ringers arrive, they are eager to learn what was being rung. And so by 8pm, we usually have at least 8 ringers and the captain sums up the possibility of ringing which methods. At least by now, all 8 bells are being used and by 8 15pm all the ringers have turned up. Most of the ringing is now devoted to Surprise Major methods. Once everyone’s attention is captured, (we’re a gossipy lot, particularly when quiz sheets are being pored over) and in between some of the ringing, any announcements, decisions, special events, or meetings are given out. Whilst ringing is in progress, the people not ringing at that time, sit and listen, or stand behind someone helping them through the method, or are revising for the next piece of ringing, but definitely no distractive talking. If the latest copy of the Ringing World is lying around, someone will be browsing through it. The person organising the following Sunday evening quarter peal will consult the list to see who is available to ring and will decide and then announce the method to be rung.
As the clock approaches 9pm, the heaters switch themselves off, ringing stops, bell ropes are hoisted upwards, chatter still continues, those quiz questions still cause some discussion and eventually the ringers descend the steps. Campanological or holiday conversation tends to continue at the pub and so the evening comes to an end. - a typical Friday practice evening.
The Queen’s 80th Birthday: This is one of those occasions when church bells are used for national purposes. At the time of compiling Gossip, we are still awaiting instructions from the powers to be, when ringing should take place, on the day or during the weekend, or both. Without doubt we shall be ringing and maybe again in June when the Queen celebrates her "official" birthday.
A Peal: From time to time we receive requests from ringers from other parts of the Diocese or country to attempt a peal at St. Mary’s. On the afternoon of Sunday April 2nd we welcome ringers from elsewhere in the Diocese.
Good Friday and Easter Ringing: Traditionally we ring a half-muffled quarter peal after the 9 30am service on the morning of Good Friday. This coincides with the March of Witness, prior to the service in the High Street. Afterwards the bells are lowered, muffles unstrapped, the bells raised again and all is set for the Easter Day ringing – but not at 7 30am!! A Happy Easter to you all. Alleluia, He is Risen
Tintinnabulum
www.stmarysringers.org.uk
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