If you recently heard the bells of All Saints’ in Gainsborough ringing on a Sunday evening, you might have been listening to a practice for a striking competition. The ringing was excellent and, according to those involved, ‘in with a chance!’.
In bell ringing, striking refers to achieving a precise rhythm – not the withdrawal of labour. Given the delay between pulling the rope and the bell sounding, this takes considerable skill. The delay also varies depending on the weight of each bell and can be affected by several mechanical factors.
The Lincoln Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers holds an annual eight-bell inter-branch striking competition. This year’s contest took place at Grimsby Minster on Saturday 18th October, with five of the six branches entering teams. The West Lindsey band claimed the trophy, with two Gainsborough ringers among the victorious team.
The band was; Barbara Rand (Messingham), Debbie Scarf (Scotter), Chris Turner (Stow), Clare Rogers (Belton), Alison Elwess (Gainsborough), Stephen Clarke (Gainsborough), Ian Till (Messingham) and Alex Addy (Haxey). The competition was judged by David Phillipson, Chairman of the North Bucks Branch of the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers.
Anyone interested in seeing the Gainsborough bells in action or learning to ring is warmly encouraged to get in touch with the ringers via the Parish Office at gainsboroughandmortontp@outlook.com or call 01427 611036. Residents of West Lindsey can also contact the local branch secretary, Debbie Scarf, at dscarf4@gmail.com.
Four of the ringers in the team are accredited by the Association of Ringing Teachers to train new recruits, and full safeguarding measures are in place. There is no cost involved – apart from getting up early on a Sunday morning to ring for church services!