Belfry Gossip
The ringers are absolutely thrilled with the most generous donations given so far towards the PCC.’s appeal for the new upstairs ringing chamber. We thank you for contributing towards this fund. Gifts are still being received by Mick Wadsworth, the PCC. treasurer, and cheques should be made payable to "St. Mary’s Church."
The Internet
– most Gossip readers will know that St. Mary’s ringers, as well as the church itself, have a web site (see below). The power of the Internet is tremendous and we received a most generous donation as a result of information contained on our web page. Each month’s Gossip is placed for all to read and one of our ex-ringers responded to the Appeal – thank you Roger.Sponsored Climb:
- One of the original gang of teenagers, who were the first to learn to ring in 1953, has just returned to Rushden. John Allen has had a lifetime in television working on the production side for ITN and Anglia TV., among just a few. Peter White was another of the young 1953 "tearaways" and John and Peter are teaming up to climb Mt. Snowdon in the Spring as a sponsored venture for the Ringing Chamber Appeal. The PCC., at their February meeting, gave this venture the go ahead. John and Peter would dearly love to raise £3,500, which was the total amount of money the 1953 Appeal raised in 100 days for all the spire restoration and bell work. They are hoping as many people as possible will sponsor them – more details in the April Grapevine.New Ringing Chamber:
- no hiccups so far! The floor is in place and the doorway from the staircase is complete. It’s very much like building a house, once the main construction is complete, the home appears to be habitable but we all know that is not the case. The ringers have been busy sorting out floor covering, coat pegs, seating, shortening the ropes etc. So when will the bells be ringing again? The annual Civic Service is planned for March 2nd and it is hoped the bells will be ringing out on that Sunday.50th Anniversary Service:
- The Rector mentioned in his letter in the February edition of Grapevine, that Canon Michael and Vivienne Wilson will be joining us for this special service at 10 30am. on Sunday June 1st. Michael took much interest in the ringers and ringing at St. Mary’s. He would often pop in to see us on a Friday evening during our weekly practice and even had some ringing lessons. Because of his interest, he became involved in the Wellingborough Branch activities and was Chairman for many years. He was later made a Life Honorary Member of the Diocesan Guild. Both Michael and Vivienne are very much looking forward to visiting Rushden again and meeting up with "old" and new friends.Greetings from Lake Erie:
- again through the Belfry Web Site, an e-mail was received from an American whose wife’s family lived in Harborough Road – the names of Sinfield, Willis and Delamare were mentioned. Has anyone any knowledge of these families?Our AGM:
- held in January was again held at Jim and Sarah’s home. The usual reports – captain’s, secretary, treasurer and steeple keeper’s were given and officers elected for this important year.Rushden (Herts.) Ringers
– are hoping to join us on June 1st. On Sundays they enjoy ringing in other towers and finish up with roast beef and Yorkshire pudding at some dining place – sounds an excellent idea! Cllr. Clive Wood opened their fete in 2001 and has been keen to forge further links with the two Rushdens.Next month:
- ringing chamber update, ringers’ coffee morning and Mt. Snowdon.