Bellringers to see in the New Year
Listen out for a centuries old tradition tonight (New Year’s Eve) as chimes will be heard at Waltham church to ring in the New Year.
Muffled bells will be ringing at St Mary Magdalene Church from about 11.20pm until 11.55pm. The muffles will then be removed for the tenor bell to strike 12. Following this, the bells will be rung to welcome in 2016.
Waltham bellringer Barry Gilchrist said: “This is a village tradition that goes back centuries, attracting crowds to the green, including those who are celebrating New Year in the village’s pub. The tradition goes on to say that ringing in the New Year will keep the ‘evil spirits’ away.”