dingdong887180022 posted: " St Mary's, Reepham, Norfolk When I first started to attend ringers' church services I confess to being somewhat mystified by the hymns. They were so obscure, hymns that seemingly only ringers ever sing, and since I had managed to miss out on ringing f"
When I first started to attend ringers' church services I confess to being somewhat mystified by the hymns. They were so obscure, hymns that seemingly only ringers ever sing, and since I had managed to miss out on ringing for over 60 years, I had missed out on the associated hymns also. Not only were the words largely specific to bellringers, the tunes seemed to wander all over the place. I found the trick was to position myself directly behind someone with a powerful and tuneful voice, and to stick with them wherever they roamed, trusting that if they were an experienced ringer, they would have sung the hymns before. After a few such services, the likely people on whom I could piggyback became apparent, so I would scan the pews and make a bee line for them, wearing my most cheerful smile and hoping that they did not realise the reason why they had a new best friend. Perhaps the chosen one(s) would be flattered if they knew who they were, but my lips are sealed, except to say that I missed you Malcolm at yesterday's NDAR service at Reepham…
Last year's Ringers' Service that preceded the AGM was a thin affair. Only a couple of dozen attendees and singing was only allowed sotte voce through a layer of cloth. Given the venue was large and impressive, we barely scratched the surface of the choir stalls, let alone filled the nave. There had been more people enthusiastically playing on the 10 bells of St Margaret's, Kings Lynn in the hour leading up to the service than bums which made contact with the pews.
But 2022 saw an improvement. A day of ringing at various local towers, including special sessions at separate towers for the youngsters and for learners, resulted in a decent crowd eager for tea and cake, and willing to sing for their refreshments. So what were the hymns?
Again, unfamiliar words but not all specifically bell-related. The tunes must have been chosen as a tribute to Her Majesty in her Platinum Jubilee year because we had Thaxtead ( I vow to thee my country but with different words), Land of Hope and Glory (with different words), an option for Jerusalem (with different words ) and a hymn written for the re-dedication of Brooke bells in 2017 which deserves more regular airings. The lyrics of the opening verse are based on the inscriptions of the 5th and tenor – Come raise us well and ring us right, Then all that hear will take delight. As our loud sound doth spread abroad, Then let all breath sing "Praise the Lord". What a glorious sentiment although the tune – Truro – was a bit of a disappointment. Sort of Handel-y and better known as Lift up your heads, ye might gates…… which makes little sense to me. Gates? Heads? Those psalmists had a funny turn of phrase.
The only thing missing was the Ringers' Charge, which always makes me thoughtful ….sound your rounds and changes to the glory of the Lord….. Did someone forget to include it?
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