THE GUILD OF RINGERS OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, LOUGHTON
Ding Dong, Merrily on High
But it’s not just in Heaven they ring, it’s here on Earth as well. And it’s not just at Christmas time either. We ring all year round. We ring for Church services, to mark significant national occasions such as Trafalgar Day, the passing of important people and the Queen’s birthday. We are also sometimes asked to ring for more local events such as the 50th Wedding Anniversary of a Parishioner or the Dedication of a new plaque on the War Memorial.
Why am I telling you this? Quite simply, the Tower of St John the Baptist, Loughton is currently suffering a shortage of ringers and we would like to recruit ‘You to join Us’.
Who can ring bells? Anybody! St John the Baptist is an Anglican Church but you don’t need to be Anglican to join us. You don’t even need to be Christian!
What does it teach you? Well obviously how to ring a bell. This is not as difficult as it may sound. Ringers do not have to be big, strong, beer swilling, bearded blokes. We accept trainees from the age of 12 and, depending on progress they may begin ringing for Sunday services and Weddings in only a few months. Some may take longer of course. A novice learns at his or her own pace. Be assured, no-one will push you beyond your abilities. We’ve all been there and we remember what it’s like to ring a bell on your own for the first time!
What else does it teach you? Teamwork. There’s nothing like bell ringing to teach teamwork. If everyone rings at the same pace, following the same pattern, the resulting sound is pleasant and very British. If you don’t work as a team, a hideous cacophony hurts the ears!
What do you get out of it? Exercise. We have been described as the earliest Keep-Fit Club as ringing does give you valuable aerobic exercise and its exercises the mind as well!
What else? Friendship. As you visit other towers and as other ringers visit your tower, your circle of ringing friends will increase.
Is there more? Yes! A sense of history. The bells of St John’s have been ringing since the mid 1800’s but ringing in general dates back to Medieval times.
So please come and see what it’s all about and how it’s done. We meet at St John’s Tower for practice every Tuesday evening from 7.30-9.00pm and we will be delighted to see you. If you want to know more, sooner, please give the Tower Captain a call on 020 8508 3435.
Copyright © 2005 Loughton Team Ministry. All rights reserved