Staplehurst Bell Ringers

NEWS FROM THE TOWER

In last month’s Magazine I reported that we had been able to continue ringing the bells during the current work on the turret and tower roof. Unfortunately, our optimism was somewhat misplaced.

Following an inspection by the Architect and Contractors’ Team at the end of August it became apparent that the structure of the turret spirelet (the hexagonal pyramid on the top) is potentially unsafe and is at risk of collapse. At the time of writing a structural engineer was due to visit, to confirm the safety or otherwise of the structure. Meanwhile the risk of debris falling down the stairway is considered too great to allow access to the stairway up to the ringing room. In addition the ringing of the bells may cause vibrations that increase that risk. Consequently it has been necessary to suspend all ringing until further notice.

Meanwhile our neighbours at Headcorn and Marden have kindly allowed us to practise on their bells, for which we are extremely grateful. We will provide an update in next month’s Magazine.

Roy Barclay

Tower Secretary

Visiting Us

All Saints Church Website (Opens in new tab)

NEWS FROM THE TOWER

Despite our fears voiced in last month’s Magazine, I am pleased to say that we have been able to continue ringing during the current work on the turret and tower roof. However it has been necessary to remove the louvre on the south side of the tower so whilst the work continues the bells will sound louder than usual. Please be assured that this is only a temporary measure and the louvre will be replaced as soon as the work is finished.

For this reason, until further notice there will be no additional ringing beyond that for Sunday Services and our normal Tuesday practice.

Roy Barclay

Tower Secretary

Visiting Us

All Saints Church Website (Opens in new tab)

NEWS FROM THE TOWER

As reported in the July magazine the Kent Young Ringers used our bells to practise for the National Youth Ringing Contest in London.  Their practice obviously paid off as they finished an impressive 3^rd in their category in a contest which featured 36 teams in total.  The future of ringing in Kent certainly looks promising.

We have just been informed that, contrary to previous expectations, it may be necessary to suspend bell ringing for the duration of the work on the tower turret and roof.  If you haven’t heard the bells for the past few weeks, that is the reason why.

It is perhaps fortunate therefore that we have no weddings to ring for, nor are we expecting any visiting bands of ringers, during the next few months.  If we are able to continue to ring it will be just for the normal Sunday service, Tuesday practice night and our learning hub on Wednesday 21^st August from 7.30 – 9pm.

Roy Barclay

Tower Secretary

NEWS FROM THE TOWER

June was a busy month for our ringers.  It started on Saturday 1^st June when, together with ringers from Frittenden and Marden, we had our annual ringing outing.  The venue this year was the Southend on Sea area of Essex where we rang at five churches ranging from Eastwood, right next to the runway of Southend airport, to Leigh on Sea with its panoramic views across the Thames Estuary. We also enjoyed an excellent lunch together. The photo below shows us relaxing after the last ringing of the day at Orsett, before facing the usual traffic problems at the Dartford Crossing on the way home.

The following Thursday, 6^th June, was of course the 80^th anniversary of the D-Day landings and we were honoured to ring as part of the beacon-lighting ceremony at Surrenden Field.

Saturday 15^th June saw the National 12-bell Competition take place at Chilcompton in Somerset.  This prestigious event features some of the best bell ringers in the country and we are proud to say that our own Tower Captain Adam Brady was a member of one of the participating bands.  We will let you know in next month’s issue how his band fared.

We have an update on the restoration of the turret and the tower roof.   The main work on the roof is planned to take place from Monday 19th August to Friday 27th September, but isn’t expected to affect bell ringing.  However as with any project of this kind things can suddenly change and the ringers stand ready to adjust their schedule as necessary.  At the moment we only have two extra ringing sessions coming up. Firstly, on the afternoon of Saturday 29^th June the Kent Young Ringers will be holding their final practice on our bells before heading up to London the following weekend for the National Youth Contest, the young ringers’ equivalent of the competition mentioned above. Then Wednesday 17^th July sees our latest learning hub from 7.30 – 9pm. That aside we will be ringing for the regular Sunday Services, and for our normal Tuesday evening practice.

Roy Barclay

Tower Secretary