St John The Baptist, Coltishall
Bell Ringers Association

The annual Training Day held on 4th May was very well attended and very rewarding. Ringers came from far and near, all meeting up at
9.30 am at Old Buckenham village hall. We were asked to decide what we would like to practise and then divided up into groups to go to various churches around the neighbouring countryside which had been previously booked. Each group has several experts with them to guide and assist during the day. During the afternoon our group found themselves at Attleborough, a huge church right in the middle of the town, and whilst we were ringing, out of the blue wedding guests started to arrive so we were able to 'Ring The Wedding Bells' for them which they hadn't expected but thoroughly enjoyed.

On 25th May a Mr Crooks and friends came to ring at St John's from Halesworth in Suffolk, they were on a ringing tour of Norfolk, and we were delighted to be included in their tour. Once again we were ringing the Wedding Bells for a local couple, namely Mark Landamore and Susan Seals, and considering the very wet weather we have had, it was a lovely day, and we send them All Good Wishes for their future happiness.

When we arrived to ring for the Sunday Family Service on the 2nd June, we were surprised and delighted to find about 15 visitors waiting outside the church it transpired that they were in Norwich for the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers AGM and they come from all over the world. We were able to listen to all sorts of wondrous methods being rung, our bells have never had it so good! Last but by no means least, some of the Coltishall band were able to help out at Buxton Lammas ringing for the Queen's Jubilee. We rang at 12 noon which was the signal for their parade to start.

Looking at the calendar of events I see several weddings in the pipeline, so it's fingers crossed for a 'Flaming June'.

Audrey Weston
Secretary