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You are here > Home > Groups > Bell Ringing > Monthly Reports for 2003 |
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Bell Ringing at All Saints Church StaplehurstMonthly Reports for 2003
November 2003The Bell Ringers had a particularly busy day last month - we managed to set up a display and speak to people at the “This Is Staplehurst” Exhibition, ring for a wedding and attend our District Annual General Meeting all on the same day! However, we could always do with a few more people to ring and take part in ringing activities with us.We are looking for new recruits to ensure that this “centuries-old” activity of campanology can continue for many more generations to come. Learning to ring church bells needs a fair amount of commitment and practice, so if you're ready for a new physical and mental challenge - come and see what it's all about. Under 18's should be accompanied by a responsible adult who can also learn to ring. Visit All Saints Parish Church tower any Tuesday evening between 7:30 & 9:15 and we'll be happy to show you the ropes! - pun intended but there is much more to ringing than just pulling a rope. There's a very good social side too (usually in “the other place” across the road as we work up such a thirst on practice nights), holidays, tours and competitions, etc. There's never a dull moment in the life of a bell ringer! For more details contact Sue Bassett by phone on (01580) 891917 or E-mail Sue Bassett  Back to Top
June 2003This month, we will be training new people in the art and science of ringing to ensure that All Saints Church bells continue to be rung in the future. It takes about six months to a year (depending on a person's dexterity and mental skills) to learn to control a bell. There is, however, much more to ringing than just pulling on the rope. There is always something new, interesting and challenging to learn as well as enjoying the good team spirit that develops through shared activity. We are known to be quite a sociable bunch too!If you are able to climb the stairs to the ringing room, you should be fit enough to learn to ring a bell. To become a competent ringer, an element of commitment is needed for regular practice and then ringing for church services too. Attending services is not (necessarily) required of ringers, unless you wish. We do currently have a majority of church-attending ringers at Staplehurst but this is not generally the norm amongst ringers elsewhere. Ringing is often a family-orientated activity as parents can learn alongside their children and this is positively encouraged (particularly with under 18's). Information and training sessions will take place on most Friday evenings in the ringing room between 7.30 & 9 p.m. but only on 6th & 13th June this month. Other dates will be posted on the web site, Church service sheets or door to the ringing room. In addition to Sunday Service ringing, 9.15 for 10 a.m. and 5.45 for 6.30 p.m. we practice on Tuesday evenings between 7.30 and 9.15 p.m. and will be ringing for weddings on 14th and 28th June. For more details or to register your interest contact Sue Bassett by phone on (01580) 891917 or E-mail Many thanks, Sue Bassett Back to Top
May 2003Staplehurst Parish Church has a fine set of 10 bells and a lively sociable band of people to ring them. However, we need to begin teaching new people now, to ensure the bells keep ringing in the future.Learning to ring bells is not difficult but does require plenty of practice. It takes about six months to a year (depending on a person's dexterity and mental skills) to learn to control a bell. Anyone from teenage upwards can learn to ring and will soon discover there is much more enjoyment and skill to it than just pulling a rope. There is always something new, interesting and challenging to learn as well as enjoying the good team spirit that develops through shared activity. We are known to be quite a sociable bunch too! If you are able to climb the stairs to the ringing room, you should be fit enough to learn to ring a bell. To become a competent ringer, an element of commitment is needed for regular practice and then ringing for church services too. Attending services is not (necessarily) required of ringers, unless you wish. We do currently have a majority of church-attending ringers at Staplehurst but this is not generally the norm amongst ringers elsewhere. Ringing is often a family-orientated activity as parents can learn alongside their children and this is positively encouraged (particularly with under 18's). Visit the belfry without obligation to learn more. Information and tuition will be provided during special “Learner Practices” on Friday evenings from 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. For more details or to register your interest contact Sue Bassett on (01580) 891917 or E-mail Many thanks, Sue Bassett Back to Top
January 2003Ringing in the New Year at Midnight is now a tradition at Staplehurst and the ringer's celebrations are rounded off with party-poppers and champagne. All ringers please remember to help with the clean-up later on New Years' Day!The first wedding of the year at Staplehurst will be on Saturday 4th January. Aylesford is the venue for the first Maidstone District Ringing meeting on 11th January. Additional silent practices (using computer-generated sound) will be held on Thursdays 9th and 23rd January 7.30 - 9.15 p.m. We are now teaching a new recruit, John Stewart, in the art of bell ringing and he is making good progress. We would also be happy to teach others and anyone aged 12+ interested in ringing should contact us for details. Under 18's should be accompanied by a parent/guardian for the first visit at least (Child Protection Policy) although there is no reason why whole families shouldn't learn together. Sue Bassett Back to Top |
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