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The Hertford County Association of Change Ringers
Bishop’s Stortford District
Newsletter
January
2015
http://www.facebook.com/groups/304172799616021/ http://www.hcacr.org.uk/
Inside This Issue
Editor Comment
1
Charlie Jordan letter 2
Ella May 2
Tours / Chat / Photos 3-4
Forthcoming Events
5
Editor’s comment
Dominic Sheehan
I hope everyone is having a good new year so far.
In January we got some good sunshine in England and Wales which averaged 75 hours, making it the sunniest since 2003, with only three Januarys in the past 100 years surpassing this.
I took a short drive to Thorley to visit St James the Great Church to continue the theme from the previous newsletter which concentrated on Great St Marys church in Sawbridgeworth. I was not disappointed.
The tower currently contains six bells that collectively weigh over a ton, the oldest of these date to 1628. The tower was used during the Second World War as a look-out post to spot night-flying Lysander aircraft approaching Allen’s Green airfield. Besides the normal use of the bells to call people to church and Weddings the bells are also rung for historic events. Notable changes were the silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth in 1977 and in memoriam of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965.
I particularly liked the stained glass windows which can best be viewed from inside the church depicting biblical scenes. The one over the alter and of St James are spectacular and you can see photos later in the newsletter.
Of particular note is the wide archway leading towards the alter and the font which faces you on entry backed by WW1 memorial names.
We are concentrating for this issue on a letter from Charlie Jordan , a contribution from a talented young ringer, the outings and forthcoming events .
Congratulations to Paul Scofield for growing a handlebar moustache for Movember and raising money for charity.
Also of note is Claire May for passing module 1 of the Integrated teacher training scheme .
r
Bishop’s Stortford District Newsletter Page 2
LETTER – memory of Shane Saunders
By Charles Jordan ( Much Hadham Tower captain)
The name may not mean much to many of the Bishop Stortford district members of today, but the older members may have memories of a man who was the Hertford County Association of change ringers general secretary for over twenty years. Many Presidents of the association when taking up office were glad of the quiet guiding voice at their elbow when chairing meetings and the sticky questions from the floor. The major task of taking the Association through the problems of charity status for all of the benefits it would bring was not always appreciated. Having sat on the County association under his guidance for over twenty years it is with some sorrow that I note the notification of his death in the ringing world of February 6th. The article in the letter section is very detailed yet brief but then it is by another long serving member of the team to whom we owe so much.
…………………………………………………………………………
Memory By David Gambling
Brenda Harris of Benington sadly passed away on the 19th December 2014. She was elected a member in 1958, rang regularly for over 50 years and was a life member of HCACR. She was Association President in 1980 ………………………………………………………………………….......
Ella May - Bell Challenge interview Ella and the quarter peal band
Ella rang 1060 changes of Grandsire Doubles in 43 minutes at Henham. Chris McCarthy was the conductor. Ella turned 10 in November and regularly attends Thursday night practices in Bishops Stortford. She admitted to being "kind of tired" and making three mistakes "forgetting to lead, losing a place and going too slow". She has "2 years of experience" " lots of people taught me but mum was the best". Her success is based on "trying to concentrate all the time" After the event she "got a J20 drink and a hug and lots of people saying well done" Overall "it was fun" and she will "try to remember her mistakes." Clearly, she is one to watch as a ringing master of the future. ………………………………………………………………………………
Bishop’s Stortford District Newsletter Page 3
Outing
The Padgett and Cambridgeshire Tours Claire May chat
ttTThorleyThorley
The car outing to south west Leicestershire was very successful and involved ringing at the following churches on Saturday the 8th November after an early start at 8am from Bishops Stortford.
It was organised by Alan and Margaret Padgett.
St Peters Claybrooke
St Michaels Stoney Stanton
All Saints Thurlaston
St Mary Lutterworth
St Dionysius Market Harborough
St Michael's at Stoney Stanton was Alan and
Margaret Padgett's old home tower. The day came
to an end with a meal in a village pub (Swan Inn ) in
Braybrooke.
Of note a rope broke and the bell had to be
lowered at the end of the ringing day.
Cambridgeshire Tour
By Claire May
We enjoyed a tour to Cambridgeshire arranged by
our District Ringing Master, Tracey Coley.
Approximately 20 ringers, including two of our
young ringers, rang at 5 towers. It was a lovely treat
to have tea laid on for us at Swaffham Prior (even if
the bells were a bit clunky)! Everyone had a very
enjoyable day so many thanks to Tracey.
Oh Carol!
The joint districts Carol Service with the Eastern
District was held in Braughing this year. Peter and
his band did a great job of making the local
arrangements. Our thanks go to Rev. Clive
Slaughter for taking the service and to Martin Scott
for playing the organ. Attendees were still enjoying
their mulled wine and minced pies for about an
hour after the service had finished so it seems a
good time was had by all!
the Annual District Meeting was hosted by Thorley
in January. Several people commented on what
fantastic facilities there are attached to Thorley
Church (is there such a thing as hall-envy?). Frank
and his band were fantastic hosts as always. Thank
you for leaving your Christmas tree up for us!
New Simulator
By Dominic Sheehan
I have been reading about a new piece of software that is being used at St George's Church on the Isle of Man to eliminate noise pollution when trainees are practising.
The article was in the Isle of man today newspaper and the link is;
http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/software-rings-changes-in-bell-tower-1-7086883
There seems to be a lot of interesting developments in terms of technology and we will keep on eye out in this area following on from our previous newsletter looking at Apps
Bishop’s tortfo Bishop’s Stortford District Newsletter Page 5 Page 5
Forthcoming Events
21st February Anstey District open ringing 15.00 16.00
21st February Great Hormead District open ringing 16.15 17.30 28th February Watford County 10 bell practice 19.00 21.00
21st March Sawbridgeworth District open ringing 15.00 16.50
21st March Sawbridgeworth District business meeting 16.30 17.15
28th March Widford District Quiz ( pre book ) 19.30 23.00
18th April Widford District open ringing 15.00 16.00
18th April Standon District open ringing 16.30 17.30
25th April Ricksmanworth County open ringing Service Tea Annual General Meeting
16th May Standon Hayden cup striking competition District business meeting
9.50 12.15
12.00 13.00
30th May St Albans Abbey County 10 Bell Practice 19.00 20.30
.
Address all newsletter material to:
The Editor
Dominic Sheehan
26 Percival Court
Bishop’s Stortford
CM23 2EF
Or via email to [email protected]
Our next newsletter will be in April - please send your articles before then.