Belfry Gossip

Belfry Gossip

Snowdon Project:

What a marvellous result, in excess of £1500 being raised for the new ringing chamber. The ringers are most grateful to John Allen and Peter White for spearheading the project and encouraging the other climbers. Our thanks are extended to Longmarsh Garage (Wellingborough) for the generous terms of the mini-bus hire and to Don for all the driving; to Jude for the publicity, financial control and refreshments and of course to the many people who sponsored the walkers and climbers. All involved in the project will have lasting memories of the long day together with battling against the wind and rain on Snowdon itself. Thank you to everyone.

Ivy Hodgkins:

We were all saddened to learn of the death of Ivy at the grand age of 91years. In 1951, before the old 6 bells were re-hung and augmented, a group of teenagers joined forces to chime the bells for Sunday services. They were unable to be rung properly owing to the poor state of repair. Ivy’s husband, Stan, looked after the "gang" and joined them in learning to ring at St. Mary’s Higham Ferrers. Ivy took a keen interest in the ringing at Rushden and together with other non-ringers always accompanied the ringers on their annual outings. Throughout the years her interest, together with her financial support were greatly appreciated and so it was with mixed feelings when we rang directly after the memorial service and while her ashes were being interred. Unfortunately several of our ringers were unable to ring owing to pre-arranged commitments. May she rest in peace.

Striking Competitions:

We lost the Peterborough Guild 6 bell competition trophy by half a fault. We travelled to Preston in Rutland, which was Michael Wilson’s last parish, to defend last year’s win, only to lose out to Rothwell. The local Wellingborough Branch striking competition is to be held at Wollaston in mid June. Naturally we hope to retain the shield, but other towers will have other intentions. Although some work has been carried out on the bells, they are not the easiest to strike well and will test all the competing teams.

Annual Outing:

Readers will recall that the date for our outing was changed to June 21^st. This was done so we could ring at St. Mary’s Rushden. That’s the one in Hertfordshire! The village is also holding its annual fete, which Cllr. Clive Wood opened in 2001 during his year as Mayor of Rushden (Northants.). This will allow any of our non-ringers to enjoy the fete and for us all to devour some cream teas. Our itinerary takes us into Bedfordshire as well as Hertfordshire with ringing at Clifton, Henlow, Arlesley, Stotfold, and Royston as well as Rushden. August’s Gossip will have a report of the outing and who devoured the biggest cream tea!

Annual Barbecue:

June 29^th, St. Peter’s Day, sees us gather in Brenda and John Dixon’s garden for this social event. This is a time when we can sit back and relax with good food and other sustenance and enjoy each other’s company. We then have to muster enough energy to attempt a quarter peal for the evening service.

Coffee Morning with Trips up the tower:

This will be held on Saturday June 28^th from 10am. to 12noon. Tickets for the coffee morning, priced 50p, are now available. There will be various stalls including homemade bakes, bric-a-brac and cards. By popular request, trips up the tower (£1) to see the bells will be available.

Golden Jubilee Service:

Sunday June 1^st at 10 30am. to which everyone is invited. Final arrangements have been made and we are hoping for a large congregation to welcome Michael and Vivienne Wilson back to St. Mary’s. The peal on Saturday May 31^st will take place during the afternoon and will be the first to be attempted from the new ringing chamber. We wish the ringers involved every success.

www.stmarysringers.org.uk

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