Bells' noise pollution

I read Kenneth Cauchi's sarcastic letter of July 30 and his puerile attempt to ridicule mine. I note Mr Cauchi is proud to be a bell ringer. It is a good job. He does not claim to be a campanologist for that would require a knowledge of music and the utilisation of a different set of bells than church bells to produce more melodious sounds.

Instead of addressing Alexander Cortis's genuine complaints, he justifies the noise pollution he creates by attacking me. Is it not a wonder that here in Malta a minority of people like Mr Cauchi can in pursuance of their pastimes or hobbies insist on their rights to cause annoyance to everyone who does not share their pleasures? Mr Cauchi does not care much for Mr Cortis's complaints and is quite happy to carry on with his senseless bell ringing.

My main thrust was directed at the Zabbar parish priest who has remained silent to my criticism of his interpretation of Jesus's teachings. I say again to him that loving one's neighbours means consideration for others even though that might involve limiting the pleasure Mr Cauchi derives from his incessant bell ringing. The parish priest should give a thought for all those who want a bit of peace and quiet and relief from migraine headaches and especially for those who require recuperative sleep from a night's shift at work. He should bear in mind that although people wish to carry out their devotions in church and enjoy their festas, it would be arrogant for the Church to assume that everybody appreciates the noise pollution caused by the bell ringing.

Moreover, people do not complain for fear of offending the Church. That does not mean there is not an undercurrent of strong feelings against unnecessary noise. Mr Cortis was very respectful but his point was well made and the parish priest should have some consideration for the majority who do not indulge in noise pollution as a pastime.