The Faxton Benefice Ringers were very sad to receive a message from Richard just after Christmas to say that, sadly, he had decided that he was no longer fit enough to ring our bells and was thus hanging up his rope for good, a very brave decision.

So we asked Revd James Watson for an opportunity to thank Richard (or Dick as most ringers know him) for all that he has done for ringing in this area.
Revd. James kindly set aside part of the Morning Service for a presentation followed by a Ringers Hymn “We who ring the bells of churches”.

Richard was taught to ring some 60 years ago, joining the band at East Farndon to ring the bells with Cameron and others, but as a good engineer he has also been helping to maintain the Tower, the Clock and the bells there ever since.

Not only at East Farndon.

Richard came over to Arthingworth with Alan Elliott from Oxendon some 30 years ago to “show Kate (Morse) the ropes” and has supported her and her band ever since. He has also taught many ringers and regularly supported ringing not only across the wider Faxton Benefice at Arthingworth, Maidwell, Draughton, Great Oxendon, and now Harrington, but also in many towers across the surrounding area including Lubenham and Clipston.

Indeed when a new band of learner ringers was created in Maidwell in 2015, he (and his faithful shadow Basil!) kindly came along most weeks in an array of different cars to help with their practices and the band benefited greatly from his expertise.  

They and others from the Faxton Benefice have been delighted to repay his kindness by ringing for services at East Farndon ever since.

His other interests occasionally aligned with ringing – such as the quarter peal at Stoke Lacy Church around 2010, rung by members of the Morgan Owners Club to celebrate the centenary of the Morgan car at the church associated with the Morgan family.

Richard’s contribution to ringing over these many years has been immense. He has helped maintain not only bells and clocks, but traditions, friendships, and standards. He has passed on skills to others who will in turn continue ringing and teaching others long into the future — a legacy that will outlast us all.

So, on behalf of both the Guild and local ringers, Alistair Donaldson presented Richard with an engraved glass tankard. Alistair added: “May it be well used, frequently filled, and always remind you that, although you may be retiring from regular ringing, you will always remain part of our band.”

Richard — Dick — Thank you.

Alistair Donaldson