Newport team ap-peals for bell-ringers
A team of bell-ringers in Newport needs more members to fill its ranks soon, or the church may fall silent.
The ringers at St Nicholas Church are down to six after some retired.
They will hold an open day this Saturday to attract more people in the hope of keeping their weekly peals going.
Bell-ringer Kathryn Greaves said: “We ring on a Sunday morning and we practice on Friday evenings. There are eight bells at the church, though we can still ring on six bells. It only takes one person being away on a Sunday and we can’t ring.
“We are looking for anyone really, probably the youngest we could have is about 10 because the bells are quite heavy.”
The open sessions will go ahead at the church off Newport’s High Street, with opportunities to ring at 10am, 11am and noon.
Those interested can have a practice ring of the bells and if they think it is for them they can attend a further test session.
Kathryn asked that anyone interested be at the church tower on the hour.
She has been ringing for almost 40 years, and said it is accessible to almost anyone.
“I learned to ring when I was 16 and I’m now 64. People can ring in their 90s.
“It’s not necessarily physically demanding, it’s more about technique. We learn patterns and we follow each other. You’re always learning something new and it’s a very social activity. We’re a close-knit group and we all go out on little outings, we go down the pub.
“If you are unable to come along to the open tower event but are interested in learning to ring, please contact Oliver Stokes on 01952 811605 in the evenings.”
The group has a Facebook page with photos, videos and details of events at facebook.com/NewportBellringers.
