January 2006
We'd like to start by thanking everyone who visited our stand in the Ark at the beginning of December. The ringers set up the stand so that we could show everyone what we plan to do and why we need to raise such a great deal of money. It is a lot of money but it's very good value when you realise it's only £4 a week over the life of the bells since 1711. If only we'd started collecting 300 years ago.
We were all very encouraged by the number of visitors who showed an interest and asked about our work. We were also encouraged by the number who showed their support by buying our Christmas cards. We raised just over £200. It's a start but we've a long way to go over the next few years.
We must thank some of our new ringers for their efforts on the stand; Pam for the photography and cards, Karen for helping to set up the stand and Pippa for looking after the display whilst the rest of us were ringing for the 11 o'clock service.
The formal campaign to raise money for refurbishing the bells will be launched in the New Year. By the time you read this we hope to have a web site established giving all the details. If any of you have your own web sites then we would appreciate a link to the Bell Fund site.
This is always the most difficult report of the year to write. The Editor needs to have the news well before Christmas but you won't be reading it until January. All I can do is assume that our performances over Christmas went well, that you have all enjoyed yourselves, and that you're all looking forward to a happy new year.