Young Ringers Outing

Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of The Children’s Society

2006 was the 125th anniversary of The Children’s Society, which was founded by a Sunday school teacher determined to help children in need. Locally there is no one tower able to field enough youngsters to ring all its bells, so this anniversary seemed an ideal opportunity to assemble young ringers to have a ring together. On the day there were twelve, all under 18 with the youngest just 8. They were of course accompanied by a number of adult expert ringers to help them along, led by Simon Meyer.

The programme was to ring at each of the churches represented. We met at St Mary’s Horsham, where for several of the youngsters it was a first for ringing in a 10-bell tower and/or a first for using a simulator. Next was St Mary’s Shipley, and in addition to ringing there were visits to the easily accessible belfry where you can watch the bells swinging, and to the top of the tower with those magnificent views. Then on to Itchingfield – we had been blessed with fine weather at Shipley, but got soaked between car park and tower at St Nicolas’. The final stop was Warnham, for tea and a try on George Francis’ mini-ring before finishing up at St Margaret’s.

Mostly the ringing was by two or three young people at a time with helpers ringing the other bells, but for me the highlight of the day was when a band entirely of youngsters rang together, and managed very well I thought. As well as being instructive for the young ringers to meet and ring together, from what people said afterwards it was a most enjoyable occasion. Let’s hope they have another chance to get together before too long.

Geoff Chamberlin, Itchingfield and Shipley

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