From Phyllis Lucas.
I HAVE read Michael de Petrovsky’s letter (JEP, 30 January) regarding the bell-ringing and stating that ‘the good folk of St Ouen enjoyed a quiet and peaceful Christmas’ because the bell clapper broke.
I must say that at least one of those folk very much missed the sound – something was missing. An octogenarian and living right next to the parish church, the bell-ringing has always been a part of Christmas for my family. I love to hear the bell and to take a turn in ringing as I did this Christmas eve at midday.
Judging by the number of people who take part each year (over 400 in 2006, I understand) and who come from all parts of the Island maintaining the tradition, it is obviously enjoyed by many who make it part of their celebrations.
I do not hear the sound of a ‘timeless funereal bell’ but rather the joyful sound of a bell ringing out to remind us of both the good news of the birth of Jesus and the liberation of our Island from enemy occupation.
La Caroline,
Ville de l’Eglise,
St Ouen.
