2022 Was a challenging year for the ringers of Enford, Fittleton cum Haxton, and Netheravon
At the beginning of 2022, Allan Cooke, their tower captain for many years, died after a long illness. He was, and is, greatly missed. His loss left the team with only five ringers to cover the three towers. Fortunately for the team, Richard Elliott took up the challenge and became their new captain.
Within a short space of time Richard, with the support of his team, Ivan Behan, Russell Whelan, Sue Reynolds and Gill Kershaw-Creedy, started up practice nights and recruited eight new ringers. With the able assistance of Sandra Lambert, great progress was made.
All was going well, when trouble reared its head again. The bells at Fittleton were behaving oddly, with handling being a key problem. An inspector from the Guild was invited to examine them and feedback on their current condition. Unfortunately, it appeared that the wooden frames needed some attention and the clappers needed new baldricks and general renovation.
Repairs were going to cost around £6,000, possibly more and there was no money to be had. Determined that the bells should be repaired, the team started a fund raising exercise.
The response from the local communities was amazing, including a visit from Ben Prater of BBC Radio Wiltshire. Ben was good enough to promote the cause on his morning show.
Within a few months, with local donations and help from the LEBRF, enough was raised to contract the repairs. It is hoped the bells of Fittleton cum Haxton will be ready to ring again by the end of March 2023 and in time to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in May.
Gill Kershaw-Creedy: Correspondent
