Bellringing In & Around Oundle

Some of you may have heard the St Peter’s bells on occasions over the last few months, and enjoyed the beautiful sound of traditional bellringing. On the 17 April 2021 the tenor bell was tolled, half muffled, for 40 minutes before Prince Philip’s funeral. Nick Elks, from the Peterborough Guild of Bellringers, said it was an honour and a privilege to do this. On the 17 October 2021 a band of ringers from Oxfordshire rang before the 10.30 church service. This was the first time for many months that the bells had called worshippers to the church.

The church is keen for the bells to be rung regularly by a band of local ringers. Here are some ways you can learn bellringing from scratch, or brush up skills you may already have:

• The Castor Ringing School is based at St Kyneburgha’s Church, Castor, from 10:00am to 12:00 noon on most Saturday mornings of the year. The School is recognised as an Association of Ringers Teaching Hub. Here aspiring bell ringers can learn to handle a bell from scratch, and then move on to learn to ring methods. http://www.petbells.org.uk/ringing-school. Contact Hilary Hardie for more information ([email protected]).

• Nick Elks is happy to teach individuals or small groups on the Cotterstock Church bells, at a time to suit you. Contact Nick on 07961916819.

• Experienced ringers can refresh their skills by joining one of the local bands. Warmington Church ringers meet on Wednesday evenings at 7.30 pm and would give you a warm welcome. Contact Sylvia Upex for more information on 07747582013 or [email protected].

Oundle Church hopes you can help us ‘grow’ a band of ringers which can ring at church services, weddings and special events!

Pauline Davidson
Oundle Tower Correspondent
[email protected] or 07941621937