Trust and respect
Earlier this year, a peal was rung to mark the 60th anniversary of the first peal for three teenagers in Canterbury. Regretfully this one was unable to take part, but the other two did (p.270). We had rung anniversary peals together for the 40th and 50th anniversaries too, sadly without all of the original band.
As I sat and listened to this most recent achievement, I reflected on the memories of our ringing together, and indeed of the many others with whom I have had the privilege to ring. What is it that makes such memories precious? What lies at the heart of why so many of us keep ringing – and supporting others?
Yes of course, achievement is a key driver – that first peal in 1966 was certainly a big step for me. Grabbing a particular tower, ringing a particular bell, surviving one’s first quarter peal, scraping through a particular method, these are landmarks that offer significant encouragement, although possible only with others willing to participate!
But there is something more personal and profound going on too. We don’t do it on our own, and team dynamics are crucial, as ringers know very well. That ‘team’ aspect extends far beyond our own tower – I have never forgotten being greeted on a random practice night visit in Australia by a friend from thirty years before in Hampshire!
Whether chancing a random visit or being part of a regular peal band, I suggest the same dynamic applies – the mutual offering of trust and respect, essential to allow us to risk our vulnerability with other ringers. Will I go wrong? Will I mess up the striking? Will I even manage to handle the bell? It is a big commitment to put ourselves in such a situation, but we do so willingly, because of our trust in and respect for the other ringers and their trust in and respect for us. This is surely the basis of relationships between ringers, which is why we are so often welcomed as learners, visitors and experienced peal ringers, and our networks are so extensive.
It calls on a commitment which is more than making time, learning new skills and so on. It may be why those learning to ring give up – the demands of a commitment to reveal and overcome our vulnerabilities may be a step too far! The church faces the same challenge winning new congregational members. But reflecting on my own 60 years of involvement, it has been amazing, rich and full of hope.
David Grimwood