02/09/09 Today we had the sad honour to ring for the military funeral of a giant of a man; Captain Mark Hale of the 2nd Battalion,The Rifles. By all accounts an outstanding soldier and family man, he was a legendary figure in the regiment which has suffered so many casualties in the war in Afghanistan. As a consequence of helping a wounded brother at arms he was himself mortally wounded. He paid the ultimate price. Following the service we paid tribute with all ten bells muffled.
13/09/09 Just when it seemed Summer had passed us by the weather improved and our visitors arrived. We had a party from St Wilfrid's,York & All Saints, Northallerton on the 5th and another from the University of London Society of Change Ringers on the11th.
02/10/09 A quarter peal of Plain Bob Doubles today to mark the annual Harvest Festival with congratulations to Adam Houston for taking part in his first quarter.
03/10//09 St Mark's, Dundela, today to compete, successfully, for the Adamson Cup.
16/10/09 A peal of Black Sheep Surprise Royal rung here today by a band of the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths.
01/01/10 A moving end to the 'Noughties' decade: a quarter peal of PBD during the day plus ringing before the resumed Watchnight Service at 11.30pm and again after the twelve strokes of midnight were sounded on the tenor. It was an unusual season for it is seldom that we have snow lying on both Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Sub zero temperatures didn't blunt enthusiasm too much and, coupled with the lying snow, probably enhanced the sound and effect of the bells. On this cold and beautiful night greetings and best wishes are sent across the world equally to all who know us and those don't. We have a great life to share and opportunities to avail of in 2010 !
12/01/10 The start of a new decade and we have a new life to celebrate ! Our heartiest congratulations go to Simon and his wife Alison on the birth today of their daughter Lucy; a long awaited event in the history of Hillsborough tower captains !
16/01/10 Might it have been a soiree? 14 of us gathered this afternoon to ring bells with our Tower Captain and celebrate the birth of his daughter, Miss Lucy Walker, the latest member in our extended ringing family. A session of Call Changes, Plain Hunt, Plain Bob Triples plus two spells of firing all ten bells was laced with happy conversation and background music from the Hilltown bell. We could get used to this !
06/03/10 To St Thomas's today to compete, successfully, for the Patterson Cup.
10/02/10 AGM tonight prior to practice saw unopposed re-election of officers. Reports were made, thanks duly distributed and an appeal made for more recruits!
17/02/10 With pleasure and appreciation we note that a peal of Cambridge Surprise Major was rung on 5th Feb at St Leonard's,Shoreditch, as a welcome for young Lucy.
02/03/10 A quarter peal of Plain Bob Major was rung here today to celebrate the arrival of Lucy Mary Catherine Walker; hopefully a ringer of the future!
10/04/10 To Drumbo today for the Cunningham Cup contest. Sadly, again there was a diminished entry. We were pleased however to win again and look forward to a trip to Drogheda next month for the Murphy Cup. Congratulations are due to Jonathan Houston for again winning the McBride Cup due to his great development during the last year.
24/04/10 Rang tonight as an introduction to 'Hillsborough's Taste of Spring'; a concert celebrating the life and work of local born musical master; the late Sir Hamilton Harty.
25/04/10 Annual dinner last night; again at the Hockey Club. While it was a little subdued for a change the proceedings livened up when this year's quiz got under way!Eric was the instigator this time of the punishment to many 'old' memories and 'grey matter' was disturbed and left looking as though a layer of volcanic ash had fallen.
25/04/10 We rang the ten bells before and after the baptism service this morning for Lucy Mary Catherine Walker; the 10th generation of the Walker family to be baptised in this church. A moving service allowed us to reflect on the challenges of modern society, using our experience of traditional values and procedures as a sound foundation for successful progress.
02/05/10 A quarter peal of Plain Bob Doubles was rung tonight as a thanksgiving for the life of the late Rev Alan W Matchett, rector of Adare (d.23/04/10). Special memories will include his handling of our RM's wedding ceremony just under two years ago. It seems ever more important to "enjoy the day that's in it".
13/05/10 Welcome visitors at practice last night who made a difference to the usual proceedings were Tim Mann from the Isle of Man and Matthew Higby & Aaron Moulder. This week is one of those- now rare - occasions when a member of the Royal family is staying at Hillsborough Castle. We rang for the Ascension Day service this evening just a few minutes after HRH, the Prince of Wales, arrived back in the village after a day of attending various places and events in the county. May we hope the ringing was noticed - favourably ?
15/05/10 A trip to Drogheda today brought a happy outcome. After a gap of 4 years we again managed to win the Murphy Cup. It always tends to be a close run(g) thing but it is nice to be on the 'up' side of the coin. The venue and the reception from the locals made the day a very enjoyable event.
23/05/10 A glorious weekend in the village. Hot weather for the Garden Festival and the Church Fete saw large numbers of happy people moving around. We rang for a while at the beginning of the Fete. This morning we were delighted to note the presence with us of the new Sec.of State for NI, Rt.Hon.Owen Patterson MP and his wife; indicating a long awaited return to the tradition of The NI Sec.of State attending worship in the Parish Church with us.
08/08/10 Summer visitors. On the evg of Sun.1st, a welcome visit by 16 ringers on a 'ring outing' from Southern England and, on Wed 4th, a visit to our practice by 11 ringers on a day outing from Dublin.
25/08/10 Two more ringing visitors on Fri.20th; from Ditcheat in Somerset: Andrew & Carol Stuart, Viscount & Viscountess CastleStewart accompanied by the 8th Earl & Countess CastleStewart.
25/08/10 Please note! With effect from Sunday 5th Sept. for a trial period of a year the morning service times will change. Instead of ringing the bells from 1000hrs we will be ringing from 1100hrs. Evening ringing will continue to be from 1800hrs.
27/08/10 We rang today for the marriage at this church of our ringer Mark Crothers and his bride Sarah Bambrick. Our congratulations go to them both for a long and happy future together.
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Please note -- we ring each Sunday at 1100 and 1800
Practice is held each Wednesday from 2000 to 2130
Visitors and new recruits are welcome !
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