Roger Lawson, a bell ringer and supporter of the peregrine project, writes:
Regular viewers of the live webcam feeds will be familiar with the sound of the Cathedral’s bells, whether it’s the simple tunes at the quarters and hours, the full tunes at 9am, 12pm and 6pm or the full-blown change-ringing on Tuesday evening or Sunday, but have you ever wondered how they are rung? Well now’s your chance to find out.
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| View of the bells from above. Thye are within feet of the peregrine nest platform! |
You’ll also be able to see the high-tech alcove which is home to the peregrine web-cam hub and recording equipment and, if they’re around, watch the peregrines live on the monitor. You can then climb the rest of the way to the top of the tower to get a peregrine’s eye view over Derby and the surrounding countryside.
The tower will be open from 10am to 4.30pm, with climbs every 30 minutes and the last one at 4pm. On the 11:30 climb there will also be a rare opportunity to watch the incredible mechanism which plays the mid-day tune on the bells.
The climbs are £3 for adults and £2 for children over 8 years old.
Nick B (DWT)
12 comments:
The climbs are £3 for adults and £2 for children over 8 years old.
I would love to be with you as a member of the band of lovely people who all claim to be the project's biggest fans but I have other obligations with another hat on to fulfil on Saturday on the helpline of this charity http://uk-sobs.org.uk/ which coincidentally is also based in beloved Derby. So sorry to miss the event but best wishes for a brilliant day.
Some swift news that might be of interest to the Project with their swift hats on. Interesting news from Mark Avery on his blog here http://markavery.info/2014/08/22/swift-visit-malmesbury/#comment-162977 for today (22nd August) about a swift tower put up in Malmesbury. Where would be a good spot in Derby to put up a tower?
Haven't see a peregrine for ages, but really interesting to read (on the previous comment board)that the Derby pair are back into bonding behaviour already. Gosh, I didn't realise it happened so early.
Late reply to folk who asked about why the birds were showing signs of courting at this time of year. Apparently this happens not just in peregrines but in many other species too - though it doesn't last that long usually. In the case of our falcons, perhaps it does serve to strengthen the pair bond once again prior to the onset of winter, ensuring that the birds stay at or near the nest and are prepare to defend it against any intruders.
Nick B (DWT)
Late reply to folk who asked about why the birds were showing signs of courting at this time of year. Apparently this happens not just in peregrines but in many other species too - though it doesn't last that long usually. In the case of our falcons, perhaps it does serve to strengthen the pair bond once again prior to the onset of winter, ensuring that the birds stay at or near the nest and are prepare to defend it against any intruders.
Nick B (DWT)
Update on the Bellringers' Tower Open Day:
Although it started a little overcast, the weather soon brightened up and was then fine for the rest of the day, much to the relief of our intrepid volunteer looking after things on the roof.
Numbers were a little down on last year, possibly because Derby County were playing at home, but we did have a peregrine on the nest tray all day much to the delight of the regular web-cam viewing visitors and the amazement of those who were new to the project.
We had some great publicity thanks to a piece in the morning news bulletins on BBC Radio Derby and another in the evening on BBC TV's East Midlands Today. Many thanks BBC.
A highlight for me was a visitor proving that, just like riding a bike, once you've learned how to ring you never forget it. He had not rung for 30 years but still managed to ring perfectly first time. Brilliant.
Thanks to everyone who helped and to all the visitors who came along.
Hope to see you all again, same time, next year.
Roger.
I like a bit of the old bell ringing - used to ring at St.Dominic village church and also at Liskeard. Quite tricky to get into the rythm, but was only ever a learner. Had a secret desire to ring the bells of York Minster ( in my dreams! ) but would never have been good enough. Oh well - who knows, I might take it up again some day.
Always enjoy the Derby bells and now forever associate the sound of church bells with the two best peregrines in the world !
Still seeing the odd visitor on the Cams and all look in tip top condition. I wonder if all three offspring are still accounted for?
Hope so.
I've noticed the tiercel has taken to hanging out on his old spot at the far end of the ledge under the scrape. Seen him there a few times lately, as he is now. I think there's a pigeon on the other end, taking it's chances because the tiercel is no doubt very much aware of it.
Sorry about this, but just had to share......I've been working hard taking three 10ft conifers down over the last couple of months and today I finally got the last of the tap roots cut and removed the stumps. Taken everything I had, but boy, do I feel smug or what !!
Thanks for this post - I found out about the open day from this blog, and my husband and I had a great time trying our hand at the bells, seeing the peregrine webcam and enjoying the view from the top of the tower. Really appreciated all the volunteers who gave their time!
Would just like to take this opportunity to thank the Derby Bell Ringers for the amazing performances that I hear while watching the Derby Peregrines. Live in the U.S. and truly enjoy listening to them.
I was passing yesterday and had my camera the resident pair were one on the scrape and one below the scrape to the left on the ledge.
Six shots are on the Flickr page.
Regards Ian "AKA superbrad"
Many thanks for flickr pics Superbrad, it's nice to get the chance to see one of the juvies in detail, He/she looks in good condition.
Been away for a few days and what's the first thing I do when I get home? - I tune in to Derby towers, to see if I've missed out on a Fred and Ginger tap-dancing routine, but no, it seems all's been quiet.
I do see a solo Mrs.P on the scrape ledge though, looking equally as graceful whilst scanning the horizon for a tasty morsel. Maybe she'll break into song and give us a rendition of " Come to The Cook House Door Boys "
(I notice she hasn't even had the hoover out - lazy minx !)
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