Busy practice night - whilst ringing some plain hunt we had five people sitting out all who have started learning this year. Two of these ringers can ring competently in rounds and the other three can all just handle a bell on their own. It is a very nice thing to have almost as many learners in the tower as ringers. Any more volunteers?

On the exact anniversary of the 1918 armistice our tower was full. Half muffled ringing this morning and then open ringing as part of the "Nation Remembers" event. This morning ringing was half muffled in respect for those who have died whilst this evening ringing was open as a celebration. Our two ringing remembers recruits both rang for both events and thus fulfil the aims of part of the 1400 recruits to replace the 1400 bellringers lost in WW1.

Our two learners Sharon and Xavier have received their badges and certificates this week as part of the commemorations around the Armistice 2018 - A Nation's Thank you. Our ringing is registered with this nationwide celebration and is also posted on the central ringing councils BellBoard list of events planned.
The 11th of November is getting closer and both our learners are now able to ring independently in the basic ringing of rounds keeping their bell reasonably in the right place and independent of help and supervision. Quite a task especially which needs a proper well done if you seem them in person. Both received their exclusive badge pictured here.

Bit is a practice tonight. Our two usual learners, Sharon and Xavier are now ringing in rounds a lot more confidently and after a bit of a break, Sean returned who quickly picked up where he had left off. It was also nice to welcome two new people who had a go on the ropes for a very first time and have promised to return.

We have two learners trying to get ready to ring for Remembrance this year. Find out more via the ringing remembers website here.

Very busy practice night with the two new learners no longer being our newest. Sean and Jack are now competent ringers of rounds and Sean can now ring down in peal too. Further new learners are now progressing fast as both tackled ringing both strokes together with some confidence. Despite ringing lots of rounds and some call changes, It was very profitable evening and its been a long time since we have had nine local ringers in the tower. If you fancy joining our growing band of learners do come along and join us.

Our learners Sean and Jack both passed a learning milestone this evening as they managed to ring a bell on their own in basic rounds. Their handling is good and they are quite competent on their own. It is good to get some new fresh ringers who will soon be able to swell our numbers on a Sunday morning.

Lent is always a quiet period as some towers actually used to stop ringing altogether. Often these days this is only the case if their practice night happens to fall on a Lenten meeting but bellringers observe the no ringing rule in Holy Week. Still not found out why but from Psalm Sunday to Easter Day there should not be any ringing at all.
We have are looking forward to the summer months and the lighter nights which are already making the arrival to practice nights more welcoming.
As ever we always are on the look out for new recruits so if you fancy a go come and see us.

Why bell ringing? That question has been asked by both family and friends and my answer is “I’ve always wanted to”. I then go onto explain that as far back as I can remember I have lived within the sound of church bells ringing out on a Sunday morning or a practice night listening fascinated to the sound of the changing pitch and tone of the bells, so maybe it might be me trying to recapture those halcyon days of my childhood back in the 50’s and 60’s.

Fast forward forty years. I had moved away from London to the peaceful village of Nether Whitacre and on certain Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings I could hear the bells from St Giles. I mentioned my memories of childhood to my wife who said “why don’t you give it a try? My friend Helen is a ringer I’ll have a word with her”. Date and time were arranged and on a very cold January night I attended my first practice night. I drove away after that practice night knowing that I was hooked and kicking myself for not taking up the hobby earlier in my life.

I progressed gradually and after six months I asked if I could ring at a special service and was given a few minutes ringing rounds, my first public appearance and a great boost to my confidence. I now ring at most morning services, weddings at St Giles and if asked, other local churches.    

I find it both challenging and a fascinating hobby with always something new to learn and in my case forget and re-learn ( I’ll put that down to my age) but that doesn’t matter the main reason is to have fun and enjoy, and when I do get it right its very satisfying.

Steve