Bellringers

From 1 January 2016 Alstonefield  and Wetton bellringers will practise together on Wednesday evenings.

Contacts:

  •  Neil Beloe …….01335 310253
  • Martin Wilding (Treasurer) ….01335 310025

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CLICK HERE to go to the Bells Restoration Project of 1989

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Plaque Un-veiled to Commemorate Peal in 1996

An official un-veiling of an important plaque took place on Wednesday evening (28.9.13).  The plaque commemorated the first and only full peal of bells ever to be rung in Alstonefield….. in 1996.  For historical reasons this peal was never recorded, even though a large, blank plaque had been hanging on the wall for years!   With the help and artistry of Chris Lucas this oversight was put right.  The plaque was un-veiled by Geoff Burton MBE of Stoke Minster, who was a key figure in the restoration of St Peter’s Church bells in 1989.  Only 3 of the original peal ringers were able to attend – Fred Pearson (Grindon), Carol Frith (Alstonefield) and Ray Daw (Stoke).  They can be seen under the new plaque in the image below.

Ringing out for the Olympics

At precisely 12 minutes past 8 on Friday 27th July 2012 “All the Bells” were rung in St Peter’s churchyard to celebrate the opening day of the Olympics. Dozens of villagers and some visitors got up early to take part in a work of conceptual art. Devised by Turner prize-winning artist, Martin Creed, his ‘Work 1197′ asked for every bell in the country to be rung as loudly as possible for exactly 3 minutes. Even Big Ben in Westminster joined in. In Alstonefield, the old school bell was dusted off, brought out into the sunshine and ably rung by Ernie Allen, who dressed for the part as an old school master. Others rang cow bells, cycle bells, mobile phones, alarm clocks, anything that came to hand. They were rung so loudly that when the church bells stopped at exactly 8.15am it was some time before anyone realised the performance had finished. You can see some of this musical “first” on YouTube >>>>> CLICK HERE. Photos of the day can be seen >>>>>HERE

Lichfield Diocesan Mobile Belfry

….. was in the playing field, Alstonefield on Wakes Day – Saturday 30th June 2012.  There are four short videos on YouTube…..  (1) an introduction by Peter Woollam, (2) this is child’s play!,  (3) attempt at ’rounds’,  (4) attempt at called changes.  Click on the number to go to that video.

Quarter Peal Rung in Village – 6th May 2011

Those of you who were in ear shot of St Peter’s Church may have heard the church bells rung on the morning of Friday May 6th.  One parishioner was heard saying, “was there a wedding on today?”.  Well, in fact no.  There was no wedding, but for local ringers Margaret Cohen, Brian Ross and Mick Parsons, ably supported by experienced ringers from Wetton, a “quarter peal” was rung.  This was a quarter peal of “Plain Bob Doubles” and took exactly 45 minutes to complete with 1260 changes.  No mean feat, even for an experienced ringer.  For Brian and Mick, this was their first quarter peal.  For Margaret, it was her first on an “inside bell”. Congratulations to all.

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Churchwarden’s Grandaughter Rings

Cecilia, 9 year old granddaughter of John & Cathy Reavy, visited St. Peter’s on Saturday 11th September 2010 with her visiting Bellringing Group from Mobberley in Cheshire.  We are not sure how long it is, since a 9 year old rang the bells, the lightest of which weighs 6cwt (over 300 kg), but Cecilia, standing on two boxes, was applauded by her fellow ringers on her performance. The Mobberley Ringers had also included Wetton, Hartington and Ilam on their itinerary.

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Planter’s Unlimited – Sunday 5th July 2009

The St Peter’s bellringers constructed a large bell of daisies for Wakes day, much to the amusement of some of the local children.

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Useful Links to Bellringing Websites

www.nsacr.org.ukNorth Staffordshire Association of Change Ringers

www.ringbell.co.uk/methods/index.htm (Useful link to diagrams for common ringing methods)

http://www.vismeth.co.uk/main.htm (Comprehensive database of ringing methods)

www.heatons.fsnet.co.uk/Ringing/Glossary.htm(Glossary of bellringing terms)

 www.callingtouches.co.uk (comprehensive information on calling and conducting)

http://www.cccbr.org.uk/pubs/pricelist/ (Publications relating to bellringing for sale)