Ring for the King – the call that’s been made by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers but the bell ringers of St Mary’s Church Ely needed no such prompting. Their plans for the Coronation of King Charles are well advanced.
“We are very fortunate that we have a dedicated band of ringers and in the last few months we’ve attracted some new recruits, and we are even hoping the 11-year-old son of one of our team will eventually join us,” said John Mitchell, St Mary’s tower secretary.
“We are always keen to welcome anyone who would like to learn to ring and I hope ‘Ring for the King’ will prompt more interest. ”
After the frustrations of lockdown and social distancing, last year was one of highs and lows for St Mary’s ringers. Although the church was closed while builders transformed the interior, they were able to access the bell tower to mark the 70th anniversary of HM Queen Elizabeth’s Accession and the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
“Little did we know that, in September, we would be ringing our eight bells muffled when the Queen died,” said Simon Smith, tower captain.
As well as the Coronation on 6th May, this year marks 1,350 years since St Etheldreda first established a monastery in Ely and the Cathedral is staging a programme of special events and St Mary’s ringers also plan to celebrate the anniversary.
Simon and John are keeping plans under wraps for the time being, but 50 years ago two peals of 5,040 changes were rung as part of Ely’s thirteenth centenary celebrations.
A magnificent gilded board on the bell tower records the names of those who rang on St Etheldreda’s Day on 17th October 1973 and the second to mark HM Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Ely on 23rd November.
- St Mary’s bell ringers practise on Friday evenings. Anyone interested to learn more can contact: ringers@stmarysely.org
Captions:
Press release from St Mary’s Bell Ringers
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