Belfry Gossip
Chocs and More Chocs: Just prior to Christmas, we had a large tin of Roses chocolates donated to us, followed after the Festive Season by more chocs. We do need sweetening up and these "cast offs" will keep us going for some time; that’s why the door to the ringing chamber is securely locked! However, thanks to the donors.
Christmas and the New Year: All three attempted quarter peals over this period were successfully rung. On Christmas morning we disturbed the peace at 7 30am and again at 10am. Not quite all the ringers made the early slot, but we managed to ring seven of the eight bells. At 10am. all eight were on the go. We concluded 2004 with a quarter peal of a method called Ilex (holly) and well done to Barbara for her first in this method. We have started the New Year with a 2 out of 2 success rate with one of the quarters named Guernsey, a method we haven’t rung since the mid 80’s.
Leslie’s Certificate: The first quarter of 2005 was dedicated to Leslie Sanders on his 104th birthday and we gave him a ringers’ certificate, together with a birthday card. Please remember, we would be delighted to ring to commemorate any special birthday or anniversary and then present one of our valued certificates – just let us know.
Our AGM:was held at the beginning of January. It took the usual form of a business meeting followed by sustenance. After many years as our chairman, Meg relinquished that role on moving to Lytham St. Anne’s. We elected Brenda as her replacement. Well she has a good pedigree behind her, as chairman of the Wellingborough Branch of Bell Ringers and as President of the Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Ringers, so she could easily run the Tower chairmanship.
Reports were given by various people including the secretary/treasurer, captain and steeple keeper. Our finances are presently in a healthy position but that could so easily change, as it has in the past. A broken clapper, the purchase of new ropes and other sundry items could soon significantly diminish our reserves.
Adam, our youngest ringer attended the meeting, taking copious notes and was complimented on his progress so far. He contributed to the discussion and stated he would like to assist Tintinnabulum – so Gossip readers, watch this space.
Forty four quarter peals and four peals were successfully attempted during 2004 and we wait to see if we have again topped the Diocesan Guild’s list of towers for quarter peal ringing. Once again, the vast majority were rung for Sunday services. Tony was congratulated on ringing his 1000th peal on his home bells and it was agreed to mark this with an inscribed peal board.
Dates were set aside for any peals in 2005, and also our annual outing and the barbecue. This particular part of the meeting to sort out diary dates always takes the longest, as retired ringers are often slipping off on short or long holidays and trying to find a consensus on dates proves difficult.
We agreed to drop our summer annual dinner but instead, to ring at a couple of towers, probably in Bedfordshire, next to where the Bishop of Bedford has taken up residence and where the brother of one of our ringers will shortly become vicar.
The price for wedding bells, already set for 2005, and which has remained constant for several years, will increase in 2006. Some discussion took place on the proposed church’s "Open Door" initiative, but more clarification was required before we could firm up any ideas we may have.
Our thanks were extended to Michael Hadley for making some peal boards which will be used to commemorate certain recent peals rung at St. Mary’s and then positioned on the walls of the ringing chamber.
Philip Akroyd: passed away a few days before our meeting and we decided, with Margaret’s agreement, to ring prior to the funeral service. Philip was church treasurer for many years as well as a member of the PCC. Together with Margaret, who always provided him with loving support, Philip continued to take great interest in St. Mary’s activities, although unable to attend meetings and services. A quarter peal was rung in thanksgiving for his life and devotion to St. Mary’s.
Wellingborough Branch AGM: was held at St. Mary’s Higham Ferrers. Ringing preceded the service, taken by Fr. Paul with the vicar, Fr. Grant on the organ and at the meeting, held after the tea, Adam was elected a member of the Peterborough Guild of Ringers. He now has to save up each year for his annual subscription.
Tintinnabulum