St John's Library

The (for now) final set of books has arrived from UK. For a list of books available in the St John's library click here, or visit the St John's tower page (click on Towers, Brisbane St John's Cathedral) and select Library from the "other" items.

St John's and St Andrew's AGMs

Most of the various reports that were presented are available in the usual "AGMs" section of the members' area. The minutes, and the remaining reports, will be posted as soon as they are received.

All officers at both towers were re-elected unopposed, with the additional appointments (technically at St John's, though in practice with rather broader responsibilities) of Kellie Hajek as social secretary and Steve Skitmore as public relations officer. Rope fees were increased to $35 at St John's and $30 at St Andrew's, with immediate effect.

Maryborough Bells bound for UK

Rosalie writes as follows, and see also this news report:

On Monday, 16th April, St. Paul’s bells were lifted from the bell tower ready for the first leg of their journey to the UK.

During the preceding week, dismantling work was carried out by Chris and Shelley Beardmore and Ian McCulloch (Brisbane) assisted by Ruth Andersen and Elaine Lee (Sydney). Neil Thomas from Whitechapel arrived later in the week to ensure all was in readiness.

Monday dawned with clear skies, much to everyone’s relief. By 7am the crane had arrived and proceeded to set up in the Church grounds, along with the plumber engaged by the Church to remove the roof of the tower. Progress soon ground to a halt when a misunderstanding between the Church authorities and workmen left no one organised to remove the rafters. After inspection by a local builder and an engineer, Chris Beardmore’s practical thinking and action soon had things moving again.

At around 1pm, gathered onlookers witnessed the first bell, the tenor, being lifted out of the top of the tower and gently swung in an arc over the Church roof to be deposited safely on a waiting pallet. This process was repeated with the next 8 bells and was completed by about 2pm. Headstocks were removed before the bells were loaded onto a truck and taken to the transport company’s yard. The following day they were loaded into a shipping container for transport to Brisbane where they were transferred to the ship ‘Italia’ for the 5-6week trip to the UK.

So while our bells are cruising somewhere on the high seas, our bell-less tower is being prepared for their return. Fundraising also continues so there is plenty to keep us ringers busy in the meantime!

St John's ringing weekend

This was a great success with huge progress for the Brisbane band, and notable consumption of food, beer and wine.

There were many firsts - including Bristol and Rutland Surprise Major for many of the local ringers, Kellie's first QP of Cambridge Major, Grandsire Caters for Warne, trebling to Grandsire Triples for Tony, and 12-bell ringing for Heath. A great achievement at all levels.

Particular thanks to those who travelled to Brisbane for the weekend (photo - left to right: Andrew Davies, Tom Perrins, Carol Quinn, Simon McMillan, John Fryer).

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Last update 19 May 2012; hits to date = 8979