We always practice with half-muffled bells on the Thursday practice nearest Remembrance Sunday.
Josh, Sam and Phillip met at 7pm to put on the muffles. After giving a demonstration using a spare clapper Phillip left them to fit 3 each. A double check confirmed that they were all done correctly. The job was completed by 7.30 when other ringers arrived and we were soon ringing the bells to that glorious sound.
Ringing during the evening included call changes, Plain Hunt and Plain Bob 5&6. It was a joy to have three young ringers in the tower, and five conductors. We also welcomed a visitor from the village who had seen our invitation to join us this evening, so of course he was given a go at backstroke, ably demonstrated by Sam.
The 5th November – treason and plot!
As it was Bonfire Night we fired the bells (two touches to include all 10 ringers), a tradition in the tower since at least Victorian times on the practice nearest the 5th .
More solemn half-muffled ringing will took place on Friday for the funeral of Iain Strath, former churchwarden, and then on Sunday before the service of Remembrance.
Great Gransden church bell ringers and choir singers came together on the Saturday for their annual autumn pizza evening at the super Chequers PH in Little Gransden.
We were welcomed as usual by roaring fires and the warm hospitality from Wendy and Bob Mitchell who this year celebrate 75 year’s of family ownership. (We rang a quarter peal in March to mark the occasion).
We all had a great time enjoying the made-to-order pizzas and the cosy and convivial atmosphere. Thanks to David for organising this.
