Belfry Gossip
Congratulations to one of our ringers, Tony Sansom, on ringing his 1000th peal on Advent Sunday afternoon on St. Mary’s bells. As reported in December’s Gossip, it is not all plain sailing when the 1000th has been arranged for a certain date. This was the case with Tony, as he approached the nervous 990’s, nearing the 1000th. He failed in what would have been his 998th and had to quickly arrange some ringers for another attempt. However, well done Tony – how about the next 1000? It’s surprising what ringers who are retired can do!
As we enter 2005, our congratulations and best wishes are extended to Leslie Sanders, who celebrates his 104th birthday at the beginning of January. Leslie is very much confined to his home but remains in our thoughts; we shall manage a celebratory quarter peal. Having held many official positions in the life of St. Mary’s, including Churchwarden, he still maintains a keen interest in the church.
Meg Boatright: still keeps in touch and we are pleased to hear that the Lytham ringers have already taken her to one of their evening practices where she was made most welcome. She did however decline their offer to have a pull. We were sorry to hear she had had a fall in the street while returning from one of her long walks, but were delighted she suffered no long-term damage. Meg, those walks must be shortened!
Remembrance Sunday: Adam, our youngest ringer, had been looking forward to ringing the bells half-muffled on this special day of the year. Now we are upstairs and unable to see what’s happening below and outside, we had a "lookout" to give us the signal when the choir had reached the War Memorial. And what was that signal? A quick flick of the light switch at the bottom of the stairs.
A Worrying Time: Like other church organisations, we have experienced problems from immature youths wishing to interrupt any organisation or activity – even church services. On two occasions, during one practice evening, they came up to the ringing chamber, flung open the door and then quickly fled down the staircase. One slip on the stairs and anything could happen.
Pudsey Bear: This character plays a dominant part in the BBC Children in Need annual programme on the television. There is also a ringing method called Pudsey Surprise Major which we always attempt on the corresponding Sunday – this year we were again successful with the quarter peal.
Christmas in the Ringing Chamber: With the Christmas church decoration theme of Christmas trees, we again used our tree and lights, positioned near the glass screen, to be visible from the church itself. This year we added two small arrangements with bells attached and pinned to the screen.
AGM: The New Year brings around the season of ringers’ AGM’s – particularly our own and the Wellingborough Branch. At ours, we shall be reflecting over the past year, the highlights, low points, disappointments, achievements, failures etc. as well as looking forward to 2005 activities. Refreshments, liquid and solid, will be available to get the tongues loosened and after less than two hours of discussion and listening to reports, most decisions will have been finalised – more in the February edition of Grapevine. And so no ringing on Friday January 7th, AGM Evening.
New Recruits: We now have vacancies for anyone who may be interested in finding out a little more what ringing is all about. Practice evenings are on Fridays between 7 30pm. and 9pm. with ringing on Sunday mornings between 10 45am. and 11 15am. The best way to find out more about this intriguing activity is to come and visit the ringing chamber to just sit and watch and then ask any questions.
Tintinnabulum
www.stmarysringers.org.uk
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