Author Archives: Hilary Hardie

VE Day Celebrations 8 May – Cancelled

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Dear all, with the Covid 19 emergency, and following Government guidance, I am writing to inform you that the VE Day celebrations planned for the weekend of 8 to 10 May 2020 have been cancelled. I know many of you planned to ring, either as part of a local event, or at 7pm on the evening of 8 May as part of the national celebrations.

It is hoped that events already planned can be moved to the weekend of 15/16 August, to celebrate VE Day and VJ Day, both momentous points in our history.  I am sure that bell ringers will be asked to play their part in the celebrations again, so I will be in touch when I know more.

I hope everyone is keeping safe, but I am sure that, like me, you are missing your bell ringing.

Best wishes,

Hilary Hardie

Central Council Advice on Covid 19

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Dear all, the Central Council has provided the following, thoughtful, advice for bell ringers in the light of the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday:

Coronavirus – Covid-19 – Update

New updates on the Coronavirus have been issued by the UK government today, which include avoiding any “non-essential” travel and contact with others and avoiding pubs, clubs theatres and social gatherings.  If you haven’t already decided to cancel ringing activities, it seems that now is the time to do so.

We must all ensure that we are following the most up to date advice from the Chief Medical Officer (or overseas equivalent) with regard to the Covid 19 outbreak.  Of course the Central Council is not in a position to provide professional advice, however there are some simple guidelines to consider to ensure that we adopt sensible precautions and support each other through a period of rapid change and uncertainty.   The advice is changing almost daily and the latest messages concern potential restriction of movement of people over the age of 70 in the coming weeks, if not sooner.

The demographics of the ringing community has a large proportion who fit in to the over 70 year old and/or medically vulnerable category, and ringers can be quite stubborn when it comes to continuing ringing, insisting that we “keep calm and carry on”.  However, under the current circumstances, we have a duty to be responsible for ourselves and towards others we ring with.  If you fit into a category that has been advised to socially distance yourself, please heed that advice.  If not for you, then to help prevent putting other people at risk.

Having said that, socially distancing yourself can create a sense of isolation, and we must ensure that we maintain contact with our ringing friends, and offer any help and support where we can.  Please check in with those who are advised to stay home, phone them for a chat to ask how they are, drop them a quick text, Whatsapp or social media message to let them know they haven’t been forgotten.

If you find yourself self isolating, consider how you might get your ringing fix if not on the end of a rope.  There are many apps for phones and computers that you can utilise to learn methods, practise listening skills and so on. There’s a multitude of YouTube videos on various aspects of ringing, ringing up and down, rope splicing and many other tower tasks that need doing.  Get out some good old paper and pencil to write out methods, learn the place notation, write out touches etc  – that’ll keep you busy for hours!  Keep in touch with friends on the various bellringing social media communities, maybe even start one of your own.  Get that tower website up to date.  Get around to writing up last year’s tower AGM minutes.  Plan what you are going to do once the restrictions have been lifted, maybe organise a reunion.

Keep up to date with the latest advice from the government, ensure that you support each other, keep calm and keep safe.

 

Following this advice, all Branch activities will be cancelled until further notice.

Please do keep yourselves and your loved ones safe.  We will be back bell ringing soon.

Best wishes,

Hilary Hardie

Branch Ringing Master

 

Coronavirus and Bell Ringing

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Dear all, I am aware there have been some questions about how the outbreak and spread of Coronavirus will affect bell ringing.

The Guild has made a statement on the website, here.  This will be updated as necessary.

This references the NHS website page, here. There is information on symptoms and advice on how to contain the spread of infection available on this page.

Best wishes,

Hilary Hardie

Ringing Up and Down in Peal Workshop – 2 May

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Dear all, the Branch will be holding a Ringing Up and Down in Peal Workshop on 2 May from 3pm to 5pm at St Mary’s in Peterborough.

This is an excellent opportunity for ringers who are confident in ringing up and down, and who want to learn, or improve their, ringing up and down in peal.  The workshop will be supported by a number of experienced ringers and there will be plenty of opportunities to practice.

If you would like to book a place on the workshop, or want more information, please email me here.

Best wishes,

Hilary

 

8 Bell Practice tonight

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Dear all, a reminder that we have the 8 bell practice tonight at 7.30pm at Castor. The practice will include rounds, and methods ranging from Plain Hunt to Surprise Major.

Whatever your ability, you will be made very welcome and the ringing will be organised to suit your requirements.

Hilary Hardie

8 Bell Practice on Friday 6 March

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Dear all, a reminder that the 8 bell practice will be held on Friday 6 March, 7.30pm at Castor.

The practice will include rounds, and methods ranging from Plain Hunt to Surprise Major.

Whatever your ability, you will be made very welcome and the ringing will be organised to suit your requirements.

Best wishes,

Hilary

8 bell Practice Friday 7 February

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Dear all, a reminder that the 8 bell practice will be held on Friday 7 February, 7.30pm at Castor.

The practice will include rounds, and methods ranging from Plain Hunt to Surprise Major.

Whatever your ability, you will be made very welcome and the ringing will be organised to suit your requirements.

Best wishes,

Hilary

8 Bell Practice tonight

Posted on by

Dear all, a reminder that we have the 8 bell practice tonight at 7.30pm at Castor. The practice will include rounds, and methods ranging from Plain Hunt to Surprise Major.

Whatever your ability, you will be made very welcome and the ringing will be organised to suit your requirements.

Hilary Hardie