THE SHROPSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF CHURCH BELLRINGERS
CENTENARY SERVICE AT ST CHAD’S ON SATURDAY 25TH JULY
The Shropshire Association of Church Bellringers was founded on 24th July 1926 in the vestry of St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury. It covers an area north of the River Severn and stretches from near Wolverhampton in the southeast to Selattyn in the northwest. This large rural Association has overcome obstacles of distance and low population to become a thriving organization of over 300 members.
To mark the 100 year anniversary, there will be an afternoon of bellringing activities held at the very church where it all began. Members of St Chad’s and local people are warmly invited to join Shropshire ringers as they celebrate their centenary. Come and listen to the bells of St Chad’s and join with the Bishop of Lichfield and the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire in the service.
The afternoon will begin with a short meeting of the Association.
From 14:15 there will be LOTS of ringing on the wonderful 12 bells at this church. It is an opportunity for many of the ringers throughout Shropshire to get their hands on the ropes and sallies at St Chad’s. Many of the rural churches have 6 or 8 bells – and this is the only tower in the Association with 12 bells. At 15.15 there will be a special performance piece of ringing by the cream of Shropshire ringers to celebrate the event and call the ringers to the church service.
This will be led by Revd Sam Mann and Bishop Michael will preach.
The finale is a pre-booked traditional bellringers tea with a fund raising raffle and guests from both civic and church organisations, including the Shropshire Lord Lieutenant. We hope they and all the attending ringers will recognise the importance of this long and successful tradition.
To conclude, some words from the Tower Captain and Ringing Master at St Chads, Gill Glover:
‘From very small beginnings the Shropshire Association has survived its first century, and is currently in good heart. ‘From very small beginnings the Shropshire Association has survived its first century and is currently in good heart. May it continue to flourish, may the ringing get better and better, and may there always be cake.’