Let the Bells Ring Out
IT IS THE CUSTOM THAT THE BELLS SHALL RING TO ANNOUNCE THE START OF THE SOAP
BOX CHALLENGE.
This year a coach load of bellringers from Cuxton in Kent arrived for the honour and they gave an exceptionally good ring from 10.15 to 11.00. That was the nearest we could get to the 11.30 start but it did show the village that major events (including the Feast) were about to happen.
About 20 of the coach were non-ringers who had come to see our two churches. They were introduced to the joys of St. Mary's, especially the War Memorial Windows which never fail to astonish.
St. Cyriac's was also visited and after the long coach journey they were most interested to know that in due course there will be a loo. They asked what was behind the North Transept seven foot high screen and were astonished to learn it was for chair storage. But what's wrong with where the chairs are now, they wondered. They also wondered why the loo height had to stretch right across the South Transept. I explained as fairly as possible that the architect wished it all to be as neat and symmetrical as possible, but many of those wise heads were not convinced -apart from one who thought it "looks very nice" . Others muttered about Goths and Vandals. "How much did all this cost?" they asked. I know not but it could be quite expensive once all costs including architect's fee are included.
All the changes can seen during the Art Exhibition showing the paintings of Hannah Webb and the Fountain Group during the weekends of 10, 11, 17 and 18 July. There will be an opportunity to record your thoughts and views.