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On 2nd July, a group of young ringers (some of the Fen Tigers!) rang a quarter peal at St Clement's. All were below the age of 18, and in fact the average age was 14 1/2. The performance lasted 44 minutes, and consisted of 1320 rows of ringing. To keep this right over that period of time is no mean achievement! Well done to all, and especially Thomas who organised and conducted it.
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On 6th June, a special performance for the anniversary of D-Day was rung as part of our weekly 'Ringing Together' session. The bells were rung in rounds (descending scale), and one by one they dropped out until just the tenor, the heaviest bell, was tolling for those lost in the D-Day landings. This produces a mournful and rather moving effect. What made this more special, was that all the ringers were inexperienced, and ringing together without any of the helpers for this performance. Well done to them all.
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Bell Sunday is for congregations to learn more about their bells and ringers, and this year we took part. On 12th May, a display was set up in the South Aisle for browsing over coffee after the service, and a demonstration/ have-a-go was put on in the ringing chamber. Six people took advantage of this, hearing about our Ringing Centre and how it's used every day of the week; dipping into the fascinating world of change ringing, and having a go at 'chiming' all the bells (including the old service bell). Some even climbed up to the bells themselves (under careful supervision). All seemed to enjoy themselves and learn a lot.
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On 11th May, three of our newer ringers took part in a St Clement's team at the District Striking Contest at Stapleford. This was a friendly event to which all were welcome. We rang rounds for about 5 minutes, and were awarded the Association President's Award for the most improvement! I was so proud of our learners, two of whom had never rung at another tower. All bells feel different to ring, a bit like cars are to drive. Ringing at different towers becomes easier the more you do it. Well done Lucy, Chris and Aileen!
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One thing we appreciate so much at St Clement's, is our volunteers. On weekday afternoons, whilst I'm giving a demonstration, it's fantastic to know there's a friendly face in church. They'll be greeting visitors, maybe having a chat about ringing, and offering the half hour ringing experience or even just a quick look at what's going on in the ringing chamber.
On Thursday mornings our volunteers will be ringers with some experience, who can 'fill in' to support newer ringers ringing together. And on Saturday afternoons twice a month, they'll be doing the same. Volunteers, we salute you.
