They say that all publicity is good publicity. So, when I was approached by Werrington WI, I agreed to organise one of their meetings based around bell ringing. 

On Saturday 21st January, a group of ladies from the Werrington WI came to St Mary's Peterborough.  We started with a talk that I had prepared on different aspects of bellringing, then had a quick refreshment break. Next, we went to the ringing chamber and had a short bellringing demonstration, with the help of some of the local ringers, showing the difference between rounds & call changes and method ringing.  The visitors were then split into two smaller groups and given the opportunity to handle a bell, ringing backstrokes, and to have a go at handbell ringing and be shown the difference between tune ringing and method ringing.

Their comments on Facebook seem to show that it was a very positive experience:

“We want to say a huge thank you to the members of the Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers and St Mary's Church, Peterborough, for hosting a really interesting morning for us yesterday. They started with a fascinating talk and then demonstrated the art of bell ringing. We also had the opportunity to have a go with the main bells and some hand bells.”

“It was a fabulous morning.  If there is another opportunity of going I would encourage you to go – you won’t be disappointed.”

“Really interesting and great fun, so glad I went.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed it…great hospitality too.  A brilliant way to spend a Saturday morning.”

It is hoped that a few of the ladies may be interested enough to return for more handling lessons.  

St Mary’s was an ideal location for this event with a meeting room just along from the ringing room, but a similar meeting could be held in your church for example. So, if you get the chance to do something similar, please contact me for more details.

Cathy Dixon (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)