On Sunday 15th July a brother and sister aged 11 and 4 were baptised at St John’s Lockerley.The parents asked the vicar Rev James Pitkin if it was possible for the children to visit the bell chamber to see the bellringers after the service and of coursethe answer was yes. There were quite a few children attending the baptism and they visited the tower in small groups. Climbing the spiral stairs was their first adventure.
They were shown a bell being rung up and when the bell’s rope was tied they could see that it looked just the same as a bell that was down, showing how dangerous it could be to touch a bell rope in any tower they might visit if the bell ropes were in reach.
After the bell had been rung down all the children were encouraged to chime the treble and one or two of the dads also had a go at chiming the tenor.
They all seemed to have enjoyed their visit and said that it had been a very memorable baptism day.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley Borough Council visited Lockerley Church Tower on Sunday 8 July for an hour to see a demonstration of ringing. The visit was held during a tower open day in association with Romsey Arts Festival and followed an invitation from the Lockerley ringers. As well as seeing demonstrations of ringing the Mayor had a go himself, starting off by chiming and progressing to ringing both strokes on his own (a very impressive achievement).
Group photo with the Mayor (photographs by permission of Romsey Festival 2017 Official Photographers)
The Lockerley and East Tytherley ringers were joined by West Tytherley ringers and a few visitors for a very enjoyable skittles evening on Maundy Thursday. Carol Higgins organised the evening, Rob Churchill came first in the skittles competition, and Joy Scanlan won the knock-out competition.
Anyone looking to extend their repertoire of Surprise Minor methods is very welcome to come along – experienced ringers who can help would be particularly welcome.
RSVP
Please let Gary Davies know whether or not you intend to come by the end of Thursday (25 February) so we know whether or not there are enough people to go ahead.
The next Surprise Minor practice is planned for 7:30pm on Tuesday 2 February (1st Tuesday of the month) at Lockerley.
Potential methods are (as previously):
Cambridge
Primrose
London
Norwich
Beverley
Surfleet
Anyone looking to extend their repertoire of Surprise Minor methods is very welcome to come along – experienced ringers who can help would be particularly welcome.
As usual, please could you let Gary Davies know whether or not you intend to come by the end of Friday (29 January) so he knows whether or not there are enough people to go ahead with the practice. In any case, please check with Gary Davies that the practice is going ahead to avoid a wasted journey.
Anyone looking to extend their repertoire of Surprise Minor methods is very welcome to come along – experienced ringers who can help would be particularly welcome.
As usual, please could you let Gary Davies know whether or not you intend to come by the end of Friday (1 January) so he knows whether or not there are enough people to go ahead.
Anyone looking to extend their repertoire of Surprise Minor methods is very welcome to come along – experienced ringers who can help would be particularly welcome.
RSVP
As usual, please let Gary Davies know whether or not you intend to come by the end of Friday (27 November) so we know whether or not there are enough people to go ahead.
Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers
