Belfry Gossip
Upstairs Ringing Chamber
It seems quite unbelievable that we have been ringing from the new ringing chamber for twelve months and during that time we have welcomed many visitors, both ringing and non ringing; we hope to do so during the next twelve months. At the February meeting of the Church Council, in answer to a question, the Rector asked when was the most convenient time to make a visit to the ringing chamber to see the ringers at work? Answer, "During ringing on Sunday mornings or Friday evenings". We do welcome anyone who would like to visit us.Our hoover has been put to good use, particularly mopping up flies, which join us from above, for some warmth. We have acclimatised ourselves to the slightly noisier sound of the bells and our heating has worked most effectively.
The spaciousness of the room, together with the number of ringers that can be accommodated, is not entirely appreciated until compared with the old ringing chamber – the present Tower Room. We certainly do not miss the drafts from the west door, in fact it’s quite cosy upstairs.
To be able to ring for weddings as the bridal party processes from the church is another plus and the Tower Room can now be used for other activities. We used to view the lofty west window and the glass screen separating the ringing chamber from the main body of the church, with mere occasional upward glances. Now to be positioned close to both, allows us the opportunity to clearly view the pieces of medieval glass in the west window and the bullet hole in the glass screen. The huge rough, rustic beams supporting the wooden ceiling, load down on us and even the cobwebs viewed from ground level, now appear less flimsy and more dust laden. The tower seems to sway more as the bells are rung, with pictures etc. on the wall continually having to be straightened. But,at last, we now have our new cupboard.
Visitors
At the beginning of February we welcomed members of the Northants Mid Week Group of ringers, most of whom had not rung from the new ringing chamber. Their favourable comments were most welcome; tea and biscuits were served in the Tower Room below.Peals
Several weeks ago, it was interesting to read in the ringers’ weekly journal, the Ringing World, that peals had been rung at our sister church of St. Mary’s Rushden, Hertfordshire and also at Fettes College Chapel in Edinburgh. Not many peals are rung at either place. The latter is where our Rector spent his secondary years of education. Last year we welcomed the ringers from the other Rushden to our Jubilee service.Our AGM.
was held at the beginning of January and the usual format of AGM. agenda was followed. Reports were received from the captain, secretary, treasurer and tower keeper. A nostalgic look back to 2003 renewed happy memories. Dates for 2004 activities were eventually sorted; an agreement to maintain the present fee for wedding bells; the need to build in some seating into the chamber and the need for a fire extinguisher brought the meeting to a close after some scintillating discussion.Recruits
Owain and Adam are progressing extremely well and have now reached a stage where we could well take on some new learners. Anyone aged from 10 years upwards would fit the bill. Come and talk to us, see what is involved and if you feel it may interest you, give it a go.www hits
At the time of compiling this month’s Gossip, we’ve had over 5120 visits to our web site. It’s worth having a look at, although the 2004 dates will not appear until later this month.www.stmarysringers.org.uk
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