Page 37 - Oundle Life December 2023

After the excitement of the coronation in May, where bells were rang out all over the country, bell ringing has returned to its normal routine, ringing regularly for Sunday services and for weddings and funerals. The Christmas period is always busy for the bell ringers, with extra ringing for Carol Services, Christingle and Crib Services.
will be increased with the addition of a new bell. The church started this project in early 2022
to provide a commemoration of the Platinum Jubilee. The Church committed £5,000 from
a bequest towards the total cost of £14,000. With the link to the Platinum Jubilee, the Church decided that the bell will be called the
Many of the villages around the Oundle area have bells in the churches, but some of them are not rung regularly, either as they are unable to be rung, or do not have ringers. So, towers such as Warmington, King’s Cliffe and Nassington, who do have ringers, cover a number of churches and hold regular practices each week, as follows:
the Church decided that the bell will be called the ‘Starsmore Jubilee Bell’
‘Starsmore Jubilee Bell’ to recognise the contribution of the Starsmore family to the village over many years. Bell ringers and Yarwell villagers have made very generous donations. In addition, there have been a number of fundraising events, including afternoon teas in
the Village Hall and a flower festival, to raise the total needed. The flower festival in July was well attended and
King’s Cliffe Nassington Warmington
Wednesday evenings at 6pm Monday evenings at 7.30pm Friday evenings at 7.30pm
raised over £900.
The new bell will be a physical reminder
of the Jubilee for years to come. It has strong links to the history of the bells and has been supported by the village and local community. Bells have been rung in the village for nearly 500 years, and this project will ensure that it continues for the next few centuries.
Unfortunately, it has taken longer than
One new event is the augmentation of the bells at Yarwell Church. Currently there are four bells. We believe the oldest bell was cast in the early 16th century, so possibly pre- Reformation. In December the number of bells
37
RINGS A BELL
Campanology – a sound hobby