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<DIV><SPAN class=390091011-20012008><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Ah! I
had forgotten about the Southwell Diocese, probably because many of the lesser
numbered rings are augmented when restored. I know a few people are against
augmentation, but at the end of the day, there is more chance of bells being
rung regularly - and of retaining a band - if there are 5 or 6 bells rather
than three. There are quite a few very ringable 3 bell towers in the Oxford
Diocese, but to my knowledge only one, Didcot, has a regular band of ringers.
That said, I think it is more likely that the bells are heard more
frequently at those towers where the bells are hung for ringing, than those
where lever chiming is the mode. There will be an occasional visiting band and
ringing can be provided by other towers for weddings & special
services.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=390091011-20012008><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=390091011-20012008><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>As a
matter of interest, perhaps George can provide us with some data on the number
of rings of 5 and above in the Southwell Diocese in say 1970, compared with
today. I doubt if many (if any) other Dioceses will have seen such an
increase.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
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size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=390091011-20012008><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=390091011-20012008><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2>Colin</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
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