November News from the Belltower

It's been an exciting time for Sharow Bellringers since the last newsletter. Joyfully, St John's bells continue to ring out on a Sunday to call to church, for services and by occasional visitors. Silent practice on a Wednesday enables Sharow Bellringers to growing in confidence and skill, all under the excellent guidance of our Ringing Master David Bell. The photo shows David silencing the bells for our practice on Wednesdays. 

Over the weekend of 24th - 26th October, it was a wonderful to welcome David's old band from Tysoe in Warwickshire. On Friday evening the bells were rung silently, but on Sunday 26th with the help of the extra ringers, it was possible to ring all 8 bells for call to Church. A wonderful sound. It's always good to welcome visiting bands to Sharow and on Friday 10th October St John's hosted ringers for the Wensleydale First Friday initiative. 

24th September saw a visit from Sir Julian Smith our MP. He made his way up the bell tower and had a trial at chiming a bell.  It was great to hear him offering to write a letter of support for Sharow Bells Restoration. 

Unfortunately, the flag that's been flying since February had got rather tatty, sothis month was taken down and replaced. If you like seeing a flag flying on St John's tower and would like to help fund the replacement, please let me know. 

It was a great privilege for Sharow Bellringers to ring a Quarter Peal for the licencing service of Rev'd David Paton-Williams. It involved ringing no stop for 45 minutes, and was a real achievement for Wood and Charles. Many thanks to all involved.
 Thanks must also go to Ripon Cathedral Ringers. We're every grateful for the donated 5 replacement ropes that have been given to St John's. David and Chrales have recently been busy replacing the old ropes in the tower and adjusting the rope lengths. The old ropes will be turned into draft excluders and sold at St John's Green Fair. ​

Also on the fundraising front, Christmas cards featuring Queen Victoria's Memorial window, are on sale at the back of church and tickets for Sharow Bellringers Gala Dinner on 28th November are available. My Wild Swim in October at Pool Bridget Farm York was a bit chilly, but very enjoyable. The next swim will be on Tuesday 25th November in Whitby. 

Coming up in November, in addition to regular ringing, there will be visitors ringing a Quarter Peal on Saturday 1st November from 11.15amtill 12noon. Before the Gala Dinner on 28th the bells will ring from 6.30pm till 7pm.
Happy Listening.Bridget Taylor-Connor, Tower Correspondent, 07752981346 
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