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The
bellringers were pleased to be able to ring immediately prior to the Service
of Collation and Induction of Rev. John Hayward, and were impressed with his
own bell handling skills when he chimed the treble during the service!
On the following Saturday morning, a peal was rung to mark John’s arrival.
It took about 2¾ hours of full concentration and non-stop ringing, and we
rang three different methods. John will be pleased to learn that this isn’t
a regular Saturday morning activity – the previous two peals were in October
2005 and July 1986, so they are definitely reserved for special occasions.
As we don’t have sufficient experienced ringers at Merton, we involved
ringing friends from Colliers Wood and South Croydon and were particularly
grateful to Chris Stanley, tower captain at Colliers Wood, for organising
the band and conducting the peal. Merton was represented by Niki Tompkinson
and Andrew Robinson.
It would be good to have a stronger local band – there are a few locals who
have rung in the past, and they are always welcome to join us. And if you
are interested in learning for the first time, do come along to try your
hand. No particular musical or physical skills are required, as it’s mostly
down to rhythm and technique. Nor is age a barrier - ringing groups include
9 to 90 year olds!
We practice on a Monday evening between 7.45pm and 9.15pm and look forward
to seeing you soon!
Andrew
Robinson
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