Belfry News April 2019

The Elloe Deaneries at Gedney

Gedney bells were in action on Monday evening, April 1st, when we entertained 15 ringers from Spalding, Pinchbeck, Lutton, Whaplode, Holbeach, plus Joanne French who came from Freiston. The occasion was an evenings practice organised by our new District Ringing Master, Paul Doade from SS Mary and Nicholas, Spalding. Ringers enjoyed methods to suit all tastes and abilities ranging from Grandsire Doubles to Cambridge Surprise, plus a half way interval at which tea, coffee and cakes were served with true Gedney hospitality, a lovely display to which we did ample justice. We thank Jane for this, my wife Rita and Janet Curry who contributed cakes, nibbles and also our visitors for coming and ensuring the success of the evening. As mentioned in last months edition, we do need recruits if we are to keep Gedney bells ringing. Anyone interested please contact Jane or myself. Ringing church bells, dear readers looks easy, but it is not and is quite a challenge but can be very rewarding for most ages, young or old.

In conclusion here is a poem sent to me by Debra McGowan of Clenchwarton Tower. It is by Jane Williams who though born in England, resides in Tasmania. I rather like it.

The Bell Ringers

The church bells ring out caressing the stone
A circle of ten at the end of each swing,
The bell ringers stand together alone.
In the chamber of ringing-language honed;
Handstroke, backstroke-a balance of things.
The church bells ring out caressing the stone,
The call "look to trebles going, she's gone"
Eyes dance the rounds and the pattern begins.
The bell ringers stand together alone.
The church gardens blossom on blood and bone,
As hands work the ropes the bronze clappers sing,
The church bells ring out caressing the stone.
Somewhere a child knows it's time to go home,
A single breath between each changing ring,
The bell ringers stand together alone.
Memory relives all the body has known,
The senses reach back, the spirit takes wing.
The church bells ring out caressing the stone,
The bell ringers stand together alone.

John Bennett

Post Script; Although intended primarily for readers at Gedney, my request for recruits applies to all of us who struggle to keep our bells ringing on Sundays.