The past 3 months have seen continued progress at Harby, and we now have 5 regular learners coming each week, and my thanks go to Godfrey Allison from just over the border for coming each week to help, and also to James from Ab Kettleby who came over during October Half Term during my holiday.

We rang the bells (with help from Long Clawson ringers) for the Remembrance Service, which included the usual parade of veterans, and the local Beaver/Cub/Scout group, who walked up to the church from the war memorial.

Progress had been made by the learners such that 4 of them rang rounds for the service of 9 lessons & carols.  Unfortunately woodworm stopped holding hands on the tenor slider, and this broke during the ringing, but no damage to the individual was done.

Thankfully the Bellfoundry had a spare one in stock, and we were able to replace this in time for ringing for Christmas Morning.  For the first time in over 30 years, we managed to ring rounds on 5 with a resident band from the village, which was a great achievement – the Vicar announcing this at the start of the service. The first Carol was “Ding Dong Merrily on High” so wonder if he anticipated this?

Now that most of our learners are able to ring in rounds, our practices are now more appropriate for visitors, so if anyone is interested in coming over, you will be made welcome. We ring 7:30 – 8:30(ish) on Thursdays.

Jonathan Dickenson