L-R: Nigel Smith, John Ward, Robert Davies, Graham Hall, Colin Currill, Tony Shilham, John Bolton, George Jelphs, Hilary Bolton
Several months ago one Thursday afternoon a small group of local people including a Bretforton ringer had got together in the The Fleece
for their usual weekly chit-chat. Some were saying how they missed the regular sound of the Church bells and as good as Badsey ringers were in helping for special services and weddings, it would be nice to form a regular band. Several of the group volunteered. At the time both Graham Hall (Tower Captain) and I (Badsey: deputising for Graham), were busy holding up the NHS, one being hospitalised after the other. A quick decision was made to ask Colin Currill if he could take on the physical task of teaching the handling. He agreed with reservation, not having done it before, and not knowing how many people would turn up on the arranged night. Word got round and he eventually ended up with five people. One or two dropped by the wayside, but three still remain; two are very regular and the other one will be rejoining following illness. Colin has done a sterling job and is to be congratulated. Easter Morning service was the suggested target to aim for; and as you can see by the photo some of the original ringers had returned by this point, including Graham. With a little bit of help from John and I, some creditable call changes were rung as a debut - much enjoyed by the ringers and best of all with much praise from the village.
Hilary Bolton.
(Congratulations to all; particularly to Colin. Ed)