Enquiry about 'a new sconce"

[Peter Trotman]

PS: I've already mentioned to the enquirer the use of rope spiders.

On 4/25/09, Peter Trotman <webmaster at RCduXyYPlBR4x-JuruHJRsuMNuGKvKrIM4hMh1lda0Q02HnhsdQldqsE-7ZZx0d9-o7yclYbwaOTQJxI.yahoo.invalid> wrote:
> I would be grateful for any information with which to respond to the
>  email below. I'm familiar with the use of light bulbs under vertical
>  pipes as heaters to dry tail ends but have never known the term sconce
>  applied to them.
>
>  Peter Trotman
>
>  ==========================================================
>  OLGA SHOTTON
>  <olgahome at ZNQiVz5I6WTGD6bJlY54MFlaNk4arUpeTetDZ0kdxUNJhkUcQcaRD6_wrI6MzFEon7W9ghCrXPBojCcZwJFDRA.yahoo.invalid>
>  Dear Sir
>  An English folksong celebrates the gift of 'a new sconce' to the
>  ringers of Chew.
>  The folk group who wish to add this song to their repertoire would
>  like to know the meaning of 'sconce'. It is said to 'rise and to fall'
>  so hardly likely to be the usual meaning of a light with a shiny
>  backing.
>  It has been suggested that it was a method of keeping bell-ropes soft
>  and supple by hanging the ends in a circular container with some form
>  of gentle heating (ie an oil lamp, or a lit electric lamp bulb.)
>  I would be most grateful for any information that your Society can supply.
>  Yours sincerly
>  Olga Shotton
>