Bellringers and Bell Ringing within the Benefice
Bressingham Bellringers
There are six bells in the tower at Bressingham. The bells were restored and rehung about ten years ago through the extreme generosity of local donors and local fund raisers, and through the energetic endeavours of local ringers.
Six bells need six people to ring them. Unfortunately, through various circumstances, none of the people taught to ring the bells at their restoration, is still a ringer. Fortunately, one ringer who helped in the rehanging, is still ringing with us, and that is Peter Willan, a veteran. But, through other circumstances, we still do have just enough to ring. Edward and Sheila Curson, vintage ringers, arrived in the village eight years ago, and, thanks to their experience, have been able to teach a number of folk of whom three are still active. Those ringers are David and Elizabeth England, and Bernadette Russell. What we lack is recruits. What we do not lack is enthusiasm.
How, then, do we manage to ring the bells on every occasion that we should, and on every occasion when they are requested ?
The answer is the 1066 co-operative. Because other churches along the A1066, and nearby, have similar problems and demands, we get together to help and support each other. Those towers are, Garboldisham, Blo Norton and Kenninghall. We hold joint practice meetings on Mondays (at Garboldisham), Wednesdays(at Kenninghall)and Fridays )at Bressingham), and we support each other for Sunday ringing. On a Sunday the Bressingham ringers could be ringing at three different locations. The other two towers that do not have a team of ringers are South Lopham and North Lopham, but as they are in this benefice, we ring the bells there as often as we can. Since the inauguration of the new benefice, we have tried to give our services where it would seem to be most appropriate. If in Cockcrow we see the word Group attached to a service, that is where we try to concentrate our energies.
We are keen to attract other people to learn this ancient and absorbing craft. What we do is a physical and intellectual exercise. Mastering it gives great reward and great pleasure. The companionship that evolves from joint endeavour is magnificent, and this helped along by the pleasure that comes from a pint at the Red Lion on a Wednesday and a pint (and free chips) at the Chequers on a Friday.
Fancy a ring and a pint ? Then, join us. (01379 688186)
Some useful links
Norwich Diocesan Association of Ringers
Norwich Diocesan Association of Ringers-Southern Branch-Tower Directory
Bressingham, Norfolk-St. John the Baptist
North Lopham, Norfolk-St. Nicholas
South Lopham, Norfolk-St. Andrew
Southern Branch-"1066" Friday Practices
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