After fourteen months of covid-induced silence the single tenor bell was rung again, half-muffled, to mark the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh in April, and also to mark his funeral shortly after.
A return to regular six-bell practices was made in July, and in the same month we rang for two weddings and again for a third wedding in September. With five Cuddesdon ringers, plus three more from Ripon College, it was possible to ring those lovely bells for the Benefice Service in October, for the Advent Carol Service, and finally for Christmas morning – probably the first time that has happened in many years. Additionally, another quarter peal of 1,296 changes was rung on the bells by the Oxford Diocesan Guild on the 4th December.
We continue to practise each Thursday evening, with support from Horspath and Ripon College, and have made good progress during the year despite covid restrictions and having to wear masks, which makes calls difficult to hear. We are currently awaiting an estimate from Whites, the Appleton bellhangers, to install some soundproofing within the tower belfry to assist the ringers below. When fitted, however, this will not affect the sound of the bells pealing out across the surrounding countryside!
We continue to seek would-be trainees who would be interested in carrying on the 500 years or more of traditional bellringing; it is an enjoyable activity and we are a happy band!
Brian Lowe, Tower Captain at St Giles, Horspath and All Saints, Cuddesdon
01865 873342 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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