Jean Cowell describes the service: ‘It was very informal and so interesting, a lot of thought had been given to the choice of hymns , psalm and prayers all of which had ‘bell’ contents; we even sang Ding Dong Merrily on High; albeit a few months early! The bell ringers took such an active part and read poems with accompanying visuals.
Martyn Porter had given a considerable amount of time to setting up a live video feed and with the 2 screens we were able to see the ropes being pulled and the bells turning from the tower and chamber. I have not been up the tower for what must be well over 40 years and have never seen the actual bells ring from the view the camera was able to give so I found it quite amazing.
Isabelle Page had done her homework and gave an interesting potted history of the bells and when they were last removed from the tower. Martyn used a small model (which he believed Vince Taylor had made) to show how the bells turn when the rope is pulled.
I think that everyone enjoyed the service which finished with the chance for people to go up the tower and try their hand at pulling the ropes. Meanwhile we were able to have coffee and bell shaped biscuits.’ Many thanks to Paul Hobbs for these photos.