Belfry Gossip
Having travelled a round trip of 80 miles to the delightful village of Aynho, close to the M40, the Wellingborough Branch Team, comprising mostly of St. Mary’s ringers, failed to retain the Diocesan 8 bell Striking Competition Trophy. The team was placed 2nd to the team representing the Daventry Branch, who had never before won the magnificent trophy. It was a long journey on a delightful September afternoon but at least we were able to sample the newly opened Silverstone by-pass.
At the time of compiling Gossip, we are still awaiting the return of the last one of the three tenders from the building firms who were given the opportunity to price for the proposed upstairs ringing room. We have raised several practical queries about the plans with the architect and some of these will be addressed once the work is in hand. There will undoubtedly be extra work to cope with once the main structure is in place. The setting sun has a habit of shining in the west-facing window and with the new floor much higher in the tower, there will be a need for blinds. The Fabric Committee has recommended the work goes ahead as soon as possible. The Finance Committee, together with the full PCC., have to give their final approval of the cost and how the remaining substantial balance above the £10000 legacy, is to be funded.
It would make sense to commence the work while the bells are out of action, so that by Christmas, all the constructional work would be completed and the sound of the bells would once again be heard over Rushden. This would prevent the need to interrupt the ringing.
And how is the work on the tower and spire progressing? Four of our ringers were fortunate to be included in the group of nine, including the architect and contractor, who were given the privileged opportunity to climb right to the top of the spire. Now at 82years of age, how many would wish to make that height – well Meg Boatright did, sporting a white helmet!
The view, particularly from the summit, was most stunning and worth every step of the climb. Cameras were clicking the whole time. If the weathercock had been available and ready for hoisting, we could have had a "topping out" ceremony by replacing it on its spindle. One of the party suggested we should have called for the hauling up of beer and sandwiches! None of the group wanted to descend, but after the necessary photographs, we made our way down. At each level the architect was able to point out the completed work and the work still to be finished. The stonework of the spire is in tremendous condition, but a considerable amount of the stone of the tower has been extremely affected by weathering. We hope some of the photographs will appear on our web site, as given below.
Jim Hedgcock, one of our ringers, is getting close to ringing his 1000th peal, hopefully at the beginning of December. This will be a great achievement and we all wish Jim every success in the peals leading up to this momentous landmark.
While the bells are out of action, we are appealing to anyone who would like to find out more about campanology and what it involves, to get in touch with any of the ringers. Two of them sit in the back pew close to the south door for the 9 30a.m. service. There is no commitment but it might be quite interesting just to find out a little more. At the time of compiling Gossip, and as a result of the item on the Sunday notice sheet, we have already received one request to join us when we recommence ringing, hopefully before Christmas.
Ringers are in the business of advertising. We may be ringers because we enjoy working in a team, or we enjoy the companionship it brings or because of the sense of satisfaction and achievement we gain from it. As we ring on practice nights we are advertising the church to all who may hear the sound of the bells. The ringing before a service is an open invitation to come and sample a very special offer. Invitation is very much a part of the Gospel. To illustrate this, Our Lord told the story of a man who planned a great banquet and sent out invitations. How we are missing the opportunity to ring out that invitation. But thank you to the people who keep telling us how they miss the sound of the bells.