Can the gong be rang by a villager without you prompting them to do so?

For some reason tonight I cannot ring it and it is now well over 24 hrs since the last time it was rung...

No. They can do research, go spear fishing, construct amazing things, even cure diseases while you are gone. But putting firewood on the fire or ringing the gong or making stews .. those are reserved for the guiding hand (that's you).

Many thanks I will keep trying..