Latest News 2010
As ringers we do all sorts of things that make our hobby interesting and rewarding, find out what we have been up to recently.
We have archived our previous year's news on separate pages for 2007, 2008 and 2009
Advance Notice of our Coffee Morning on 9th October
We are holding another of our fund raising coffee mornings on 9th October. Please book the date in your diary and we hope to see you there. Starts at 10.00am till 12.30pm. More information.
28/08/10 - Ringing on Holiday in Lincolnshire
One of our ringers on a 1 week family holiday in Lincolnshire joined in the ringing with local ringers at two 6 bell towers. These were St Mary's, Mablethorpe and St Wilfrid, Alford.
28/08/10 - Ringing at Bradfield
6 members of our team rang the bells at St Nicholas, Bradfield for 2 weddings on Saturday 28th.
As the weddings were around midday we had a picnic lunch taking in the beautiful scenery at the same time.
07/08/10 - Ringing at the Crooked Spire
6 of our team joined members of the Sheffield Branch of the YACR for a joint ringing meeting with the Derby Diocesan Association of Church Bellringers - Chesterfield District, at The Parish Church of St Mary and All Saints, Chesterfield. Better know to most of us as the Crooked Spire. From 7.00pm to 9.00pm we rang on the 25cwt 10.
01/08/10 - Special Quarter Peal for Sue's Last Service as Curate of St Mary's and Ruby Wedding Compliment to Barbara and Len Rann.
We rang a Quarter Peal this morning prior to Sue Hammersley's last service as Curate of St Mary's, Ecclesfield. The Quarter Peal also celebrates the Ruby Wedding Anniversary on this day of Barbara and Len Rann. 1260 changes of doubles in 46 minutes. More information about the Quarter Peal.
25/07/10 - Special Quarter Peal
Prior to the Evening Service we rang a Quarter Peal. 1260 Doubles, 3 methods and 1 variation in 46 minutes on the back 6 bells. Rung in affectionate memory of Jack Phillips, one time Verger at St Mary's. Also to mark the anniversary of the passing of David and Freda Thurlby. More information about the Quarter Peal.
20/07/10 - Quarter Peal for the Brownie Guide Movement
On Tuesday evening we rang a special Quarter Peal requested by the Ecclesfield Brownies. 1260 Grandsire Triples in 47 minutes to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Brownie Guide Movement. More information about the Quarter Peal.
16/07/10 - Special Quarter Peal
On Friday evening the bells were rung to a Quarter Peal of 1344 changes of Plain Bob Major. The ringing was to celebrate the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Pat and Graham Blackburn. More information about the Quarter Peal.
09/07/10 - Whirlow Grange Residential Course
Held every year, this residential course for bell ringers runs from Friday evening to late Sunday afternoon and uses towers in the Sheffield area for the practical sessions. Each bell ringer is tutored in a method of their choice and then provided with tower-based practical sessions. On Friday evening 9th July Ecclesfield tower played host once again to some of the students on the course. A group, helpers and a team leader held a practical session concentrating on a bell ringing method. The bells were rung from 7.45pm to 9.00pm.
13/06/10 - 'Tricia's Last Service as Vicar of Ecclesfield
We rang a Quarter Peal prior to the Revd. 'Tricia Impey's last service as Vicar of Ecclesfield. Starting at 9.35am and finishing 49 minutes later we rang 1288 changes of Grandsire Triples. After the service which was attended by nearly 200 people we enjoyed a 'bring and share' lunch in the Gatty Hall. All the ringers would like to say how much we have appreciated your ministry here and we wish you and Richard a very happy retirement. More information about the Quarter Peal
07/06/10 - Peal Rung at Ecclesfield
On the evening of 7th June a visiting team of ringers successfully completed a full length Peal on the bells at Ecclesfield. 5120 changes were rung in 3 hours and 7 minutes. This is the 88th recorded peal since records began in 1843 and the first since November 2007. More information about the Peal.
05/06/10 - Ringing on Holiday
2 of our ringers are back from a week on holiday in Cornwall. While there they joined in with the local team ringing for Sunday Service on the 6 bells at Veryan, (pictured) and joined in with local ringers on 2 practice nights at St Goran (6) and Kenwyn (8).
04/06/10 - Special Quarter Peal
This evening the bells were rung to a Quarter Peal of 1260 changes in 3 methods and 1 variation Doubles on the back 6 bells. The ringing was to celebrate the Golden Wedding of Arthur and Norma Priest. More information about this quarter peal.
30/05/10 - Special Quarter Peal
This morning we rang a Special Quarter Peal to celebrate the baptism of Benjamin Guy Richard Hackett. 1260 changes of 2 methods and 1 variation Doubles were rung in 45 minutes on the back 6 bells. More information about this quarter peal.
18/05/10 - Visitors from North America
We were pleased to welcome a group of ringers from North America to our practice night on Tuesday 18th. They were on a ringing tour of the UK and had chosen to visit Ecclesfield and ring with us on our practice night.
Called the Butler's May Ringing Tour the ringers came from Washington, Philadelphia, Rochester and New York.
15/05/10 - Branch Striking Competition
Ecclesfield entered the branch striking competition held this year at St James, South Anston. Sheffield Cathedral won, joint second were Rotherham and Walkley, Ecclesfield were 4th.
08/05/10 - Inter-Branch Striking Competition at Birstwith, St James
2 members of our team were in the Sheffield and District team that entered the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers inter-branch striking competition held at Birstwith. Sheffield came 3rd, Western Branch were the winners. The aim of a Striking Competitions is for each team to ring with perfect rhythm and a steady beat without clashing. The ringing is judged, the winning team being the one with least faults.
03/05/10 - Ringing Outing to Nottinghamshire
6 of our ringers joined ringers from other towers in the Sheffield Branch for a day of ringing in towers around Southwell in Nottinghamshire.
The day was organised by Rotherham Minster's Ringing Master and enjoyed by around 20 ringers, their relatives and friends.
In typical bank holiday tradition the weather delivered rain, glorious sunshine and hail in rotation every hour.
We started at 9.30 am with ringing on the 6 at Oxton (left) followed by the anti-clockwise 12 at Southwell Minster (above).
Pub lunch over and we were off to ring on Upton's 6, the 6 at Thurgarton and finally the 6 at Rolleston where a flower festival was taking place. One of the bells at Rolleston was cast in 1399, probably the oldest bell most of us had ever rung.
24/04/10 - Sheffield Folk Chorale in Concert - proceeds to the Peal Appeal
Ecclesfield Church hosted another evening of entertainment this time featuring Sheffield Folk Chorale who provided a superb varied 2 hour programme of folk songs. Around 120 people came to the concert and along with the Chorale we must have had nearly 200 people in the building.
We would like to thank Sheffield Folk Chorale and all of you who came and supported our fundraising concert. Also we wish to thank the Vicar and PCC for allowing us to use the Church. Thanks also to the members of our team who staffed the ticket desk, kitchen, refreshments, programmes and to Philip for being MC for the evening.
18/04/10 - Ecclesfield Ringers in Quarter Peal at Handsworth
6 of our team rang in a Quarter Peal with 2 ringers from St Mary's Handsworth at Handsworth on Sunday afternoon. The quarter was rung prior to the Scouts' St George's Day Parade Service. We rang 1260 changes of Plain Bob Triples in 43 minutes. More information about the Quarter Peal.
10/04/10 - Visitors at Ecclesfield
While we were ringing at the Sheffield Branch meeting (see below), a team of ringers was visiting Ecclesfield from 16.00 to 16.40 to ring on our bells. They were on an organised trip from places as far afield as Wisborough Green (West Sussex), Portsmouth and Petersfield (Hampshire).
10/04/10 - Ringing Meeting
5 members of our team met with other Sheffield Branch ringers to ring the 8 bells at Rawmarsh and the 6 at Wentworth. Afterwards we went to the George and Dragon for a pub meal to finish off a really enjoyable afternoon.
30/03/10 - Ringing World Quarter Peal Analysis Report
The Ringing World the weekly journal for Church Bell Ringers edition number 5161 March 26, 2010 contained the annual quarter peal analysis for 2009. The country, county and leading towers information is published each year.
Ecclesfield shared first place with Sheffield Cathedral as the towers in South Yorkshire that have rung most quarter peals in 2009.
28/03/10 - Quarter Peal for Palm Sunday
We rang a Quarter Peal prior to the Evening Service for Palm Sunday. 1274 changes of Plain Bob Triples in 48 minutes from 5.30pm to 6.20pm More information about the Quarter Peal.
23/03/10 - 10 Bell Practice
Members of Ecclesfield team attended the 10 bell branch practice at the Minster Church of Rotherham All Saints on Tuesday evening. We did not hold our usual practice night at Ecclesfield.
20/03/10 - Handbells and Grenoside Singers in Concert - proceeds to the Peal Appeal
Ecclesfield Church hosted a marvellous evening of entertainment which started with ringing of our Church bells from 6.45 to 7.20 by members of our team and visitors from Handsworth, Sheffield Cathedral and Thrybergh. Ecclesfield Handbell Ringers and Grenoside Singers then provided a varied 2 hour programme of popular and classical music. There was plenty of interest shown by the audience in both the handbell team and the singers during the refreshment break and after the concert had finished. Around 130 people came to the concert and along with the singers and handbell team we must have had nearly 200 people in the building which was really nice and there was a lovely friendly atmosphere.
We would like to thank both groups and all of you who came and supported our fundraising concert. Also we wish to thank the Vicar and PCC for allowing us to use the Church and for their help setting up the stage and seating. Thanks also to the members of our team who staffed the ticket desk, kitchen, refreshments, programmes and to Philip for being the MC for the evening.
If you are interested in either of these groups, you can find more information by using these links to Ecclesfield Handbell Ringers and Grenoside Singers.
14/03/10 - Quarter Peal for Mothering Sunday
The Sunday Service band marked Mothering Sunday by 2 sessions of ringing. In the morning all 8 bells were rung for 45 minutes before the 10.30 traditional Family Service for Mothering Sunday. Later in the day and prior to the Evening Service we rang a 6 bell Quarter Peal from 17.30 to 18.15 followed by another 10 minutes of general ringing. More information.
12/03/10 - We Are in Look Local
The 11th March edition of Look Local free weekly newspaper contained an article about our Peal Appeal and the 2 concerts being held in the Church to raise funds. This links to the report in Look Local.
07/03/10 - Quarter Peal
Prior to the Evening Service we rang a Quarter Peal. From 5.30pm to 6.15pm 1260 changes of Plain Bob Minor on the front 6 bells. More information.
06/03/10 - Sheffield Branch Annual General Meeting
6 of our team met up with other ringers from the Sheffield Branch of the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers in the afternoon to ring on the 8 bells at St Mary's, Handsworth. Afterwards we moved on to St Mary's Beighton for a Ringers Service, a very nice ringers tea provided by the Beighton ringers, the Branch AGM and then an hour ringing on the 6 bells of St Mary's.
02/03/10 - Baptism and Confirmation Service
We did not hold our regular practice night but we did ring the bells for the Baptism and Confirmation Service with Bishop Cyril. We rang all 8 for 45 minutes prior to the service at 7.30pm.
01/03/10 - Visit by the Brownies
We were pleased to welcome the Brownies and their leaders on Monday night. They came to visit the tower and were shown around the ringing chamber and belfry. 2 of our ringers demonstrated how bells operate and the Brownies were given a short talk about ringing.
27/02/10 - Savoury Coffee Morning
We held our second bellringers coffee morning today. Members of the team cooked savouries, provided cakes, staffed the kitchen, sold tickets for the concerts, donated and sold Bric-a-Brac, raffle prizes, promotional material, displays, computer presentations, conducted tower tours and networked with many people who came to our event. It was a really enjoyable interesting 2 hours and we would like to thank all those who came to visit and made donations.
The money raised goes to help the Peal Appeal. We would like to thank the Vicar, David and St Mary's PCC for allowing us to use the Church for this event.
13/02/2010 - Ringing Meeting
5 members of our team joined other ringers to attend February's Sheffield Branch Ringing Meeting. We had a pleasent morning ringing at St Helen's, Treeton (6 bells) and St. Mary Magdalene, Whiston (8 bells).
10/02/2010 - Special Quarter Peal
This evening we rang a Special Quarter Peal to celebrate the 89th birthday of Phyllis Gledhill. 1280 changes of Plain Bob Major were rung in 47 minutes starting at 7.30pm. More information about this Quarter Peal.
If you are interested in having the bells rung for you please have a look at our Say it With Bells web page.
06/02/10 - Yorksh
ire Association General Meeting - Ripon Area
7 members of our team joined with ringers from all areas of Yorkshire to attend the YACR General Meeting on Saturday 6th. As well as the meeting there was ringing at 5 towers, Boroughbridge, Kirby Hill, Sharow and Aldborough followed by a Service at Aldborough. Final ringing of the day was at Ripon Cathedral.
To round off a very enjoyable day we had a fish and chips supper on the way home. Photo of All Saints' Kirby Hill
05/02/10 - Article in the RInging World
Information about our Peal Appeal and about St Mary's Church are in this week's edition of the ringers' weekly journal, The Ringing World. If you use this link to the Ringing World Website you can see the photo of the Church and a small part of the published article.
25/01/10 - Back to normal
The snow has gone (for now) and the temperature is above freezing. Ringing has resumed following its usual Sunday, Tuesday and Friday format. Please come and see us but check the Ringing This Week link to make sure ringing is taking place.
08/01/10 - Snow, ice and more snow - Practice Nights Suspended
No ringing took place this week due to exceptional weather. Sub-zero temperatures along with regular snow fall has made getting to Ecclesfield difficult with no guarantee of getting home again.
03/01/10 - First Sponsored Quarter Peal
To raise funds for the Ecclesfield Peal Appeal we will ring the bells to celebrate events or special occasions for you or your family and friends. Today we rang the first, prior to the Evening Service to celebrate the birthday of Helen Margaret Boyes. 1272 Kent Treble Bob Minor. More information about this Quarter Peal. If you are interested in having the bells rung for you please have a look at our Say it With Bells web page.
02/01/10 - Ringing at St Marie's and Sheffield Cathedral
6 of our team attended the Sheffield Branch ringing meeting on Saturday 2nd January. Around 25 members of the branch met at The Cathedral Church of St Marie, Norfolk Row for afternoon ringing on the 25cwt 8. Following the ringing we had a very nice tea prepared by Sheffield Cathedral Ringers. A short branch business meeting followed.
Evening ringing was at Sheffield Cathedral on the 34 cwt 12. While we were ringing the snow started to fall and we left footprints in the snow as we left. There is something magical about listening to 12 bells ringing at night, in the snow, with the Christmas lights all around and the Cathedral floodlit to the top of the spire.