Sunday evening service ringing at St Mary’s has long been quarter peal evening and. according to Alan’s statistics, forty three were rung last year, most of them being for Evensong. To date 2010 has produced only threeso we clearly need, like England’s batsmen, to improve our ‘run rate’ if we are to match forty three and keep our place as leading quarter peal tower in Northamptonshire.
However, we do have a peal (over five thousand changes, lasting about three hours) in memory of Meg Boatwright, planned for April. The method we hope to ring rejoices in the name of Double Norwich Court Bob Major. Before you wonder who Bob Major is and why anyone would wish to court him, I should explain that the method is stepped in ringing history having been first rung by the Norwich Scholars in the eighteenth century and ‘court’ describes places - I am sure you are glad you know that now!
Talking of peals, we now have a peal board on the belfry wall for the peal which we rang last year to welcome Steve, our new Rector, a peal of Rultland. Surpirse Major.
The snow of early January did deter many members of the Northants Midweek Group (run by Pam Bailey) from going to ring at Earl’s Barton - or was there another reason? The tower of Earl’s Barton church, a ‘listed monument’, is Saxon and reputedly dates form C970. Many ringers would tell you that the ladder which has to be climbed to reach the ringing room dates from around the same time! Its two uprights are made from a split tree trunk, and one which narrows and bends towards the top; a strong nerve is required to ascend it. By comparison the medieval tower of Sharnbrook and its thirty five stone steps, the choice for February, were positively easy going; thirty four people obviously thought so and they enjoyed ringing a variety of methods including Pudsey and Cambridge.
Now, as promised by Tintinnabulum, news of our ‘exciting meeting’ - our AGM. This took place on January 15th at the home of Sarah and Jim Hedgcock, and we thank them for their hospitality. As always a bring-and share finger buffet preceded the meeting and many a New Year’s Resolution was put aside as a variety of delicious nibbles was enjoyed. Then on to the serious business. Brenda thanked everyone for keeping the bells ringing Sunday by Sunday and the Secretary’s report which recapitulated the year, reminded us all just what a busy and eventful time it had been. The Tower Keeper reported that 2009 had been a time of general maintenance with two layers of carpet being laid under the bells (with Tom’s assistance) to quieten the sound of the bells in the ringing chamber.
The following officers were elected for 2010: President- Bob Whitworth: Chairman- Viv Stribblehill: Captain- Brenda Dixon: Ringing Master and Assistant - Alan marks and Tom Coles: Secretary/Treasurer - Pam Bailey: Tower Keeper and Assistant - Alan Marks and Tom Coles: Tintinnabulums- Bob Whitworth and Barbara Woplin: PRO - John Allen: Statistician - Alan Marks (without an assistant this time!) Aims and social event were agreed upon, unusually with little difficulty in fixing dates and the meeting ended at 9.30pm.
There was only one piece of business which was carried over from 2009 and that was the provision of a clear window into the church enabling us to observe when services have begun and, most importantly, to see just what our brides are wearing! Let’s hope that we can see our way to getting that implemented for 2010’s wedding season.
Third Reserve Tintinnabulum