Parishioners at the Candover Valley’s three principal churches will not be encouraged to attend Christmas services this year by the joyful sound of church bells echoing through the Valley.
The bells at Preston Candover and Brown Candover and Northington churches will be silent this year from a serious lack of ringers! It is unlikely that bells will be rung again for normal services at any of the churches until new ringers can be recruited and trained. Currently, there are only three ringers available and bell captain, Peter Willis, says he really needs a team of ten to cover the needs of all three churches. Enthusiastic volunteers are urgently needed!
Anyone over the age 0f 18, with or without previous bell-ringing experience, will be greatly welcomed and training is available. Children over 12 years of age will also be welcomed if they are accompanied by an adult. This is a great opportunity for all the family to be able to participate together in a new venture.
St Mary’s Church at Preston Candover has six bells, which are lighter than normal bells, and suitable for most people, even children, to ring. St John’s at Northington also has six bells, and St Peter’s at Brown Candover has five. Practice and training sessions are usually carried out at St Peter’s on a week-day evening.
Anyone living within easy reach of the Candover Valley who is interested in campanology should contact Bell Captain, Peter Willis, on 07776 101595 or by email to – CVR@Willispj.co.uk
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