Belfry Gossip for June’s Grapevine

It has been an eventful month for the ringers of Rushden. The first event occurred on April 17^th when the bells were jangled rather that rang, largely because the nerves of the ringers had been badly jangled since we had been burgled. Two intruders in hoodies entered the room below the ringing chamber, were scared off but later returned and stole a bottle of Communion wine. The Police have been informed but we would be grateful if anyone has any further information. Clearly we do not wish to have to lock the downstairs door on Friday evenings as this restriction runs counter to the open-ness of a ringing practice.

April 18^th was District Quarter Peal day, each quarter peal comprising about 1260 changes and taking about 3/4s of an hour to ring. Five Quarters were successfully rung, and the Rushden ringers were well represented in them. The first of the day, Stedman Triples, was rung at Rushden first thing in the morning.

On April 23^rd, whilst there was no celebratory ringing at Rushden itself, several of the Rushden band rang a quarter peal at Kineton in celebration of St George’s Day.

The Peterborough Diocesan 6 Bell Striking competition took place on April 25^th at Bulwick. If you have ever won a trophy which is competed for and presented annually you may know that it is usual for the winners to have the trophy engraved and bring it to the subsequent competition bright and shiny. There was a little consternation on the eve of the Competition; the trophy was bright and shiny, but it had not been engraved! There was only one solution - win it again, which Rushden duly did, beating Bulwick, Nether Heyford, Desborough, Uppingham, Badlby and Harringworth. Peter has kindly taken charge of engraving this year, for which we are grateful.

The roving ringers of the Northants Midweek Group roved far this month, all the way to Church Langton in Leicestershire.

Finally, and with delight since it is very pleasing to be appreciated, I have been asked to add this:

“Please may I say what a wonderful write-up Belfry Gossip is each month, but please may I add a little note from Hannah (aged 9 but going on 29), Thomas aged 12, but soon to be 13 (oh, those teenage years!), Linda (well, does age really matter!) and, of course, good OLD Peter who does extremely well once he has kick-started his Zimmer frame.

We would all four of us like to thank Alan and all the other bell-ringers for their patience, encouragement and also for making us all very welcome.

Many, many thanks to you all.

Hannah, Thomas, Linda and Peter”