The bell ringers of St Oswald’s Parish Church have expressed their gratitude to the community for supporting their annual Boxing Day fundraising event.
Boxing Day Zip Wire Event
The bell ringers hosted their traditional teddy bear (or any cuddly toy) zip wire on Boxing Day. Volunteers began setting up from 9am on a crisp winter morning, ensuring the event ran smoothly. Special thanks were given to Peter Woollam, who, although no longer ringing regularly, generously lent his equipment and expertise.
By 10:30am, a large queue had formed, and families and their brave toys enjoyed rides up the tower well beyond the advertised finish time. Each toy and its owner received a certificate of achievement and a chocolate treat. Generous donations collected during the event will support the maintenance of the bells and enhance training for new and existing ringers.
Training Bells Project Begins
On 5th January, work began on a new Training Bells Project, following the granting of a faculty by the Diocese. Demountable scaffolding was delivered by Griffiths Hire Shops and installed by volunteers, including Andrew Davies, Ben, Isla, and the church’s steeple keeper, John Hobley. Over several days, modifications were made to the ceiling and rope positions to prepare the tower for two new “dumb” training bells.
The project aims to improve the layout of the existing rope circle while creating space for the two training bells, which will eventually form part of a 10-bell circle connected to a computer simulator. These changes will provide a better training experience for new ringers, a lighter practice set for existing ringers, and a more interactive experience for visitors.
The initiative is carried out in memory of Andrew Harris, a beloved colleague whose ambition was to see 10 full bells at St Oswald’s. The bell ringers hope to have the training bells installed by the end of February.
Andrew Davies, spokesperson for St Oswald’s Bellringers, said:
“We are extremely grateful for the community’s ongoing support. Events like the Boxing Day Zip Wire and projects like the Training Bells allow us to preserve our cherished bell-ringing tradition and provide an engaging experience for both ringers and visitors.”
The bell ringers thanked Oswestry Town Council, Whittington Parish Council, Griffiths Hire Shops, the Shropshire Association of Church Bellringers, the church wardens, and volunteers for their support in making the project possible.
