Belfry Gossip
Belfry Gossip
A Ringing Rector? We were aware one of the shortlisted candidates for the post of Rector was or had been a ringer. My memory can switch back to pre-War 2 and between then and now St. Mary’s has never had a ringing Rector. Between 1919 and 1953, even if any of the incumbents could ring, it would not have been at St. Mary’s, as the bells were out of action. One day it would be interesting to welcome a ringing Rector – there are quite a few about. Some ringers think they’re better without incumbents entering the belfry but we at St. Mary’s think differently and welcome them, ringing or otherwise.
Our AGM. Traditionally we hold our AGM in January, to fit in between members’ holidays – off to Tenerife, Egypt etc. It’s a really relaxed affair unlike corporate annual meetings where shareholders grimly face boards of directors and even having to show security passes to gain entry. No nothing like that. We sit in armchairs with a drink at our feet to loosen the tongues – eats follow at the end. This year one wag complained he would like the buffet food earlier as gastronomic and age problems cause indigestion at inconvenient times at night. And so it was decided, as from next year, to eat and drink earlier, during the meeting. Will he then doze off!
That wasn’t the main decision. We listened to the various reports, but the secretary/treasurer was in absentia through illness and Pam’s report was read to the meeting. A very full report of the year’s activities was given and the balance sheet was agreed and adopted. We couldn’t question the treasurer even if we had wanted!
The various officers were thanked for their year’s work and duly re-elected. We talked about our ringing in 2009 and in particular early ringing arrangements for the Institution service for the new incumbent. It was agreed to ring for the service, to attempt a 3 hour peal as we did for the previous Rector and also a quarter peal on the following Sunday. We thought that as an important contributor to the music of the church, we should have an early meeting with the Rector to familiarise him with our ringing activities and habits!
We’re going to have an outing and a barbecue – nothing new there. The fees for ringing at weddings in 2010 are to be increased to £110 – a 10% increase, but the fees have remained constant for several years so we’re about in line with inflation.
Security Systems: At the time of compiling this report our new roof and halls security system has just been fitted. But why do we need one? Just get someone to stand on the roof facing the High Street and a member of the public will phone the police. Come down and cross the road to purchase some cartons of coffee for the other installers and when leaving the coffee shop get yourself apprehended by the police. That is literally what happened to one of the workmen.
The ringers’ system, a visual one, works so well that Tom, one of our young ringers, sees ringers arriving and even opens the chamber door to welcome them. No unauthorised person has so far been detected.
Illness: The Christmas and New Year virus did not pass over us and several went down with it and were out of action for a little while. Glad to say we’re all back in action again.
Northants Mid Week Group: Once a month a group of mostly retired ringers meet together at different churches to have a ring and socialise. Irchester should have hosted the February meeting but they were unable to do so, and it was changed to Rushden. About 20 ringers from this and neighbouring counties enjoyed a ring on our bells, together with the customary cuppa and biccie.
Our New Rector: Just before this report was sent for publication, we have learned a new Rector has been appointed and in case you haven’t heard, he is the Revd. Stephen Prior, a priest with several Lake District parishes, in the Diocese of Carlisle. From the Lakes to Rushden! Whether he has had any experience of bells or bellringers, we don’t know. If he hasn’t, I’m sure he will soon get to know us, as we are the noisiest bunch of individuals in town, proclaiming to the good folk of Rushden, St. Mary’s is a worshipping church. But the ringers welcome Stephen and the family to Rushden and Newton Bromswold. The bells are audible in the Rectory if the wind is in the right direction.