The Benefice of St Botolph's, Northfleet and St Mark's Rosherville
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Bell Ringers

TOWER BELL RINGING
 
St Botolph's Church has a peal of 8 bells with the Tenor weight 16.5 cwt, the peal is an anti clockwise ring and the age of the bells range from the oldest, the sixth 1757 to the treble and second dated 1920.
 
This was the last time anytime anything major was carried out on the bells, although regular maintenance has been carried out ever since.
 
We are in the process of raising some funds to carry out having the new bearings fitted and refurbishment of the bells and framework.
 
In 2006 we had new ropes as the old ones were becoming frayed.
 
The bells were silenced for a long period, but in 1999, The Whitechapel Foundary brought their instruments down to check what movement there was of the tower and frame and this was found to be negligent and we were given permission to start inging again.
 
We practice every Tuesday from 7.30 to 9.00 pm and ring on the 2nd and 4th Sunday's of each month and on special occassions and festivals, weddings and occasional funerals.
 
We are always looking for new recruits to join our team to learn the art of tower bellringing. 
 
If you are over 18 and would like to know more contact me on 01474 703948 or come along on a Tuesday evening and we will show you the ropes.
 
Derek Wilkinson
 

HANDBELL RINGING
 
The Handbell Team at St Botolph's has been in existence for a number of years.
 
We original had a small set of 1.5 octave bells and used mainly for carol ringing at Christmas.
 
In the late 1960's it was suggested we carry on and practice all the yar with secular pieces and ring at social events.
 
The team became a member of The Handbell Ringers of Great Britain (HRGB) which promotes many handbell events on a national and regional basis in the form of rallies and concerts.
 
Our team was fortunate to take part in a carol concert in The Royal Albert Hall for many years with The Alexandra Choir. In 1983 the made a record "We wish you a Merry Christmas" and the Handbells open each side of the record.
 
Our main highlight of each year is taking part in a festival service in Guildford Cathedral in November where over 20 teams meet and ring 12 or so pieces.
 
We are always looking for new ringers to join the team. You do not have to read music as we play from a numbering system. So if you are interested and over 18 we meet on a Monday Evening from 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm in St Botolph's Church Hall. For further information please contact me on 01474 703948.

Derek Wilkinson

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