Belfry Gossip

I wonder how many of you listen to The Archers. I used to be a regular when my children were small, but now I am an occasional listener. I do remember, however, that the programme was originally intended to reflect, and thus appeal to, rural communities whilst also having a strong educational purpose too. I am not sure which was operating on September 11^th when I caught an episode in which the Ambridge bell ringers were discussing their visit to the Ringing World Roadshow (mentioned last month) and were debating the best way to teach beginners. Mention was made of a ‘simulator’ - a method of ringing whereby the clapper is tied so the bell is silent outside and the sound of the bell is replicated by a computer inside - locally Rothwell has one of these. What really had me pricking up my ears was Neil Carter (the Tower Captain) saying, ‘I’d better talk to Alan about it first’. How like our own tower!

The Peterborough Diocesan Guild’s Eight Bell Striking Competition, as mentioned last month, did take place here on September 20^th. The result was a win for the Kettering District with Daventry second, Guilsborough third, Wellingborough fourth, Rutland fifth, Towcester sixth and Thrapston seventh. We were rather disappointed to be fourth, the jam in the sandwich. However, there were some very good things about the day. The weather was dry and sunny so our visiting ringers were able to mill about outside, enjoying both the ringing and the lovely flowers which always grace St Mary’s Churchyard and the afternoon tea provided by local ringers was, as always absolutely superb.

Our learner, Tom, was elected a member of the Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers at a meeting at Earls Barton on the 27^th September, having been proposed by Allan Marks and seconded by Simon Dixon. To be elected you have to ring with other ringers from the District and be judged to be a competent ringer, so it is a compliment to Tom.

For our Northants Midweek Group meeting this month the chief interest was not so much the church we rung at, Byfield, as the church we passed on the way. Newnham. Here the tower sits on four open arches and the ringers used to ring at the mercy of the elements. Apparently there are still holes in the masonry where the ropes used to pass through.

We rang three quarter peals in September, two on six bells (Durham and Cambridge Surprise Minor) and a quarter peal on eight bells, Grandsire Triples, which was rung on Sunday 28^th September to celebrate Harvest Festival.

Isn’t it amazing! The leaves are still on the tress but Christmas are on sale in the shops, cards with every sort of illustration you can think of apart from, apparently, bells! Once again, can I seek your help. Please let us know if you spot any suitable for campanologists to send to one another.