Belfry Gossip
At the time of compiling this report, work on the new upstairs ringing chamber has just started, with the belfry full of wood, girders, scaffolding and rubble. Probably, by the time you are reading this Gossip, the work will be well in hand and hopefully no setbacks experienced, unlike the external restoration work.
Reports have appeared in the local press highlighting all the work and announcing the PCC’s appeal for donations. It has worked out most conveniently that the firm undertaking the construction work was also engaged on the tower and spire restoration. At this time of the year, working inside is more preferential than replacing external stonework at a height of 160feet with the wintry elements all around.
Prior to the commencement of work, some of the ringers spent a morning taking down peal boards from the walls, unscrewing cupboards and pulling the ropes out of the way up into the bell chamber. Our thanks go to Monica and the choir for allowing us to temporarily store most items in the choir vestry. As soon as we can possibly do so, the items will be transferred upstairs to their new home.
The church apologises for the dirt and dust and for the Sunday morning crèche having to be held in the choir vestry. When the work is completed, the area vacated by the ringers (the old belfry) can be used exclusively for "whatever," without having to rush to pack things away because ringing is about to commence.
It will be sometime before our new "quarters" will be ship-shape. Cupboards to be hung, seats in place, peal boards screwed to the wall etc. etc.
The Appeal
launched on January 12th by the PCC. to address the deficit of £4,400 for the work is still open and anyone wishing to contribute should contact our Treasurer, Mick Wadsworth.50 Years Ago
In 1953, when the last major restoration work to the tower and spire took place, together with the re-hanging and augmentation of the bells from 6 to 8 bells, the moving of the clock and the installation of a new clock face, the total cost was £3,500. The money was raised in 100 days. This puts today’s costs into some form of perspective.50th Anniversary Celebrations
Arrangements are well in hand for the weekend of May 31st/June 1st 2003 to mark this special Golden Jubilee.Saturday May 31st – a special peal rung by present and past Rushden ringers. (still alive!)
Sunday June 1st - a United Service of Holy Communion at 10 30a.m.
This should be a most memorable weekend.
Christmas Morning Services
Sorry we were unable to ring but we did the next best thing and played a recording of St. Mary’s bells we made some years ago. This was favourably commented upon by many people and to have it played through the church’s P.A. system was terrific – thanks Mick.Friday evening ringing
As readers will recall, many of our ringers have been joining some Friday evening practices at Irchester as well as making use of other towers. Unfortunately, the clappers (the piece of metal hanging down from the inside of the bell) of the Irchester bells have been taken out and sent to the foundry at Loughborough for some maintenance work. Early in the New Year, it was most good to have the Irchester ringers join us for a practice evening at Woodford Church. We were crowded out.Our AGM. was held in January – more of that next month.
We are now linked to the Diocesan web site!