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We started Bell Club for primary school children in September 2023, and have run for two whole school years so far. What an adventure it's been, as these fantastic young people learn to ring bells together. It was end of term this week. One moved to secondary school last year, and three more will in September, so we'll be taking in more year 5's from our partner school... and starting another Bell Club for older children!
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A week after sending an exploratory email to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, I received a phone call saying a reporter could come the following day to do a live broadcast for the breakfast show on 4th July...at 7 in the morning! 16 year old Tomas Arana-Tagle was also able to attend, as they wanted to talk to a young ringer; and as he was going to the National Youth Contest the following day, that was even better.
Tom from the BBC arrived with a small bag -just headphones and a microphone, which both plugged into his phone and connected to the studio over our wifi. We did a sound check on three bells, deciding the old chiming bell on a rope in the corner would be the best sound to introduce the piece.
Two live pieces went out, each of about 4 minutes duration. The first was my chance to talk about what we're doing at St Clement's; the second was mostly Tomas giving a youth perspective, then Tom the reporter chiming the tenor. During the nearly an hour between the two slots, we had filled Tom in much more about bells and ringing, given him a go at backstrokes and handstrokes (he was rather good), and shown him the bell chamber. He took many photos and videos, and left with a copy of 'Discover Bellringing'. It was interesting and enjoyable for all!
You can also see a video put together by Tom the reporter at www.facebook.com/share/r/1CB4Lnhka2/
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In recent years, Singapore acquired a ring of English style church bells for change ringing, and a new band of ringers has been forming.
We were privileged to meet two of these on 26th June when they came to St Clement's during a visit to England. Kae Chee and Jeffrey rang a quarter peal with us, this being the first time that Jeff had conducted a performance. They were lovely friendly people, and we hope they will return one day.
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Bells rang out across Britain on 8th May 2025, for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. We joined in at St Clement's with an invitation for any ringers to join us, and rang with the bells 'open', that is making their own sounds and not on the simulator. In fact we opened the windows by the bells to let more sound out! Several young ringers were among those who rang for this occasion, and we had a union flag which had been used 80 years ago to mark peace.
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In November we hosted a ringing teacher development day. Run by Lesley Boyle from the Association of Ringing Teachers, this 'Module 2f' course enabled ringing teachers from around the area to share ideas and learn more about teaching the basics of method ringing. A system of mentoring and accreditation is available in the months to follow. Even for those who have been teaching many years, there is always something to learn!
