Things ancient and modern

This morning I spent some time in St John's Otterburn with Howard Smith, bell advisor for the dioceses of Newcastle and Durham who came to mend the bell rope, which I embarrassingly broke on the third ring at my licensing service. The rope apparently had been rubbing against some stone work and finally, with an obvious sense of occasion, it gave up! 

I found out how to ring the bell properly (it is a chiming or drop hammer) and also that it was cast by Henry Watson of High Bridge Street Newcastle in 1856. 

It's working properly now and I hope I can be trusted with it again. 

All done - bell rope repaired

To Elsdon this afternoon for PCC meeting. By coincidence the new new lights in St Cuthbert's were completed during the meeting. There will be prayers and an act of dedication during Mattins on Sunday 22nd March

The wrought iron lighting chandeliers were designed by churchwarden Keith Maddison in the form of St Cuthbert's Cross.  They were made by blacksmith Peter Robinson of Siddington Smithy of Cheshire and erected by Burncliffe Electricals of Hexham. The lights can be switched on and dimmed by remote control. An imaginative and beautiful fusion of 'ancient and modern'.

I will add a picture of one of the chandelier crosses as soon as possible.
This picture was taken  as the scaffolding was moved to the final position.