Shall We, Shan’t We? A wedding was listed on our wedding proforma stating the happy couple required the ringing of the bells for their wedding. A team of ringers was drawn up in the usual way, “Who’s available?” The ringers assembled in good time ready to ring the happy couple on their way to married life but then at the last minute, we discovered our services were not required. At this point, we spied a kilted bag piper, lurking in the church ready to inflate his windbag. So we listened to the bagpiper and then went home. Mix-ups can easily happen. In any case, bells and bagpipes do not blend well together!
St. George’s Day: Although now in the distant past, I’m pleased to announce the attempted quarter peal to celebrate our Patron Saint, was successful. Although, because of the absence of some of our own ringers, we had to import outside assistance, the request to ring on St. George’s Day was fulfilled. Let’s hope it becomes an annual event.
Striking Competitions: The Peterborough Diocesan 6 bell striking competition held in April, referred to in last month’s Belfry Gossip, had a very satisfactory conclusion. Many of you as avid readers of Gossip, know all about ringing striking competitions. The participating ringers assemble at a given church somewhere in the Diocese – this year at Lois Weedon and each band draws to ascertain the order of ringing in the competition. Our band drew first position, never a good draw. Fortunately the entire band had arrived on time. The judges as usual had tucked themselves somewhere in good hearing distance of the bells. We duly ascended to the ringing chamber, passing several “Mind your head” notices. A huge piece of supportive church timber straddled the room and curtailed good sighting of other ringers in the band. We rang our short practice piece, quickly discussed at what speed we should ring the test piece, donged a bell to inform the judges we were ready and off we started. The ringing was excellent until Tintinnabulum committed the mortal sin of thinking how well this was going and “crash bang wallop” he lost his concentration, followed by mistakes. So that was it, in no way would Rushden retain the trophy. Other competing ringers listening out in the churchyard no doubt thought they now stood a better chance of winning. Oh no! Surprise, surprise the judges considered our early ringing so good, that despite the upset, we scored less faults and were given first place. We have now won the trophy for three years on the trot. Having descended from the ringing room, each band had their photo taken and although still looking slightly glum, our photo appeared in a recent edition of the Ringing World. Our St. Mary’s web master kindly placed the photo of the trophy on the front page of the church’s web site after the Rector had very kindly showed it to the congregation. It now once again takes pride of place in the ringing room.
This month we compete again, this time at Bozeat, in the Wellingborough Branch competition. More concentration please!
West Door Thumping: When ringers attempt some special piece of ringing, doors are locked to prevent external opposition. Not to be outdone on one Sunday evening, some person decided to try and enter the church and thumped continuously on the West Door, rather like Bishop Donald requesting entrance to the cathedral. Not content with three thuds, the door literally shook with many more. Our concentration was disturbed; young Tom, who was ringing the bell nearest the upstairs door, thought he was going to be attacked, but calmness returned and the quarter was successfully rung. Intoxication came into the event.
Recruits: If ringing is to flourish at St. Mary’s and throughout the country, learners have to be found and encouraged. We’re doing our bit here and recently two sisters have joined us on Friday evenings and giving it a go. Picking up the skills of ringing takes time and needs patience. Good luck to all our learners, at whatever stage. Carol is mastering “call changes”, Tom is regularly ringing quarters, Hannah is coming on extremely well, handling a bell on her own and mum Linda is now into the early stages of change ringing.
All Are Welcome: We could only muster 6 ringers for a recent wedding but just prior to us pulling off, two guests at the wedding came and announced they were ringers from Hertfordshire. The next day a ringer from Australia, St. Albans, Griffith, NSW, joined us for service ringing. Ringing, like the church, is national and international, and ringers are welcome in each other’s churches.
Barbecue: We always look forward to this annual event where we gather in Brenda and John’s garden, have a look to see how the vegetables, tomatoes and red currants are doing, as well as socialising with our colleagues. It’s usually a sunny Sunday, but last year we had to christen Brenda’s new carpet.
And Finally: Belated congratulations to Steve on his first anniversary as our Rector. No doubt some quarter peal will be attempted in due course.
Tintinnabulum www.stmarysringers.org.uk