Belfry Gossip
Our A.G.M. was held at the home of one of our ringers on the first day of February. Unlike some A.G.M.’s, these meetings are always very friendly but business-like, with our chairman, Meg Boatright, keeping us in order. The various reports were received, with our captain particularly commenting on the ringers’ dedication to the maintenance of Sunday Service ringing, which is what ringing is all about. It was noted that our striking of the bells, or the ability to maintain a good rhythm whilst ringing, was not always as good as it ought to be, and therefore there was a definite need to address this and improve our striking.
Of the 49 quarter peals rung during 2001, all but two were for services at St. Mary’s – a fine record. The achievements of our learners was commented upon, particularly Chloe’s peal rung at Orlingbury, making her the youngest Rushden ringer to achieve this distinction.
Other reports were given by Pam, our secretary/treasurer and by Alan our steeple keeper. The bells are in good order and not likely to fall on us just yet. Pam’s full report listed the many achievements during 2001 and commented favourably on our financial balance at the year-end. However, ringing can be an expensive activity, as we have experienced in the past, and we did agree to purchase two new ropes which will deplete the finances by nearly £250.
In 2002 we have decided to organise just one outing and hopefully, in June, visit the churches in the Wisbech area of Cambridgeshire. The dates of our annual barbecue and the annual dinner were set for July and August respectively.
Tintinnabulum is pleased to report that the attempted peal of Rutland Surprise Major, rung on the afternoon of February 6th to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Queen’s Accession to the throne, was successfully rung in 2 hours 55 minutes. Some of the team started the peal reasonably fresh, but others had already been ringing in the morning. The conductor of the peal came hot foot from ringing a 3 hour 15 minute peal at Higham Ferrers during the Borough Celebrations, whilst Brenda and Alan had been quarter pealing at the other side of the county. Ringers are fanatical!
A peal for the Golden Jubilee celebrations is to be attempted in June and the annual Advent Peal will be on Saturday November 30th. Further Jubilee quarter peals will be rung during the extended weekend of activities at the beginning of June.
The year 2003 sees another 50th celebration – this time for the augmentation and re-hanging of the bells. Discussion took place at the A.G.M. regarding this event and it was decided, in true Anglican style, to set up a committee which will report back to the ringers with definite proposals.
It was noted that the P.C.C. was still hoping to create a new ringing room directly above the present one. This would enable the present room to be used for other purposes. What better way to mark this 50th anniversary? However, what about the cost? Although the church was left a legacy mainly to finance an upstairs ringing room, unfortunately this will not cover the present day cost – consideration will have to be given as to how the shortfall can be addressed, should the scheme be agreed.
The Mayor of Rushden, Councillor Clive Wood, travelled to Rushden in Hertfordshire last year to open their village fete. Ways are now being considered as to how we can forge some link with our namesakes – preferably in this Jubilee Year. This was yet another A.G.M. discussion topic.
It will be a great honour for the ringers to ring for Cllr. Wood’s Civic Service at the end of February.
With the improvement in the weather, work on the spire and other parts of the tower will soon be starting. The inspection ladders have been in place for nearly 18 months and soon, scaffolding will be appearing. While some of this work is progressing, we shall undoubtedly be banned from ringing, but not homeless!