BellBoard

Rung to welcome the New Year. Also in memory of Vincent J Wackett, 36 years, who enjoyed the sound of Waltham Abbey bells, living close to the church, and who died on 24th December 2016.

For the New Year 2017. 1st treble bob, 1.

100th Essex tower to a peal: 5

100th UK tower to a peal: 1

Rung in memory of LCpl Scott Hetherington, killed in Iraq on the 2nd January.

For evensong

Rung following Choral Evensong for The Epiphany.

A birthday anniversary compliment to David Rothera (LXXVIII on 5 Jan).

Wishing Ellis Whhitehouse a Happy Birthday on his Birthday

Rung in memory of Sylvia Georgina Aylott. Also to congratulate 6 on passing his driving test at first attempt today.

Most methods inside: 2

Rung to celebrate the licensing today of Rev Julian Patching as Associate Priest in the Parish

40th birthday compliment to Ian Parker 15/01/17. 1: First QP.

Rung before the Gathering, a joint service looking forward to the coming year.

In memory of Private George Fearn Brace, Newport, Essex. Died 20/01/1917 age 40. Suffolk Regiment 1st/4th Bn. Service No. 5017. Commemorated at Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, France, Grave II B 19. Son of Alice Maud Brace of Sawbridgeworth, Herts; husband of Eva Ives Brace (nee Reynolds) of High Street, Newport, Essex and father of Jack Fearn Brace, Gilbert George Brace and Elsie Mary Brace. He worked as a postman before enlisting. Born: Sawbridgeworth, Herts. Enlisted: Saffron Walden. Resided (1911 census): High Street, Newport, Essex.

Rung in memoriam 5017 Private George Fearn Brace, 1st/4th Bn., Suffolk Regiment. He was a ringer at Newport, Essex. Born at Ware, Herts. son of Alice Maud Brace of Sawbridgeworth, Herts. and husband of Eva Ives Brace, High Street, Newport. He died from pleurisy and pneumonia on 20th January 1917 and is buried in the Abbeyville Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Remembered with Honour.

Rung as a farewell, on their retirement, to Vicky Webster and the Venerable Martin Webster, Archdeacon of Harlow and former Rector of Waltham Abbey.

50th Birthday compliment to ringer of the 2nd for 14/1/17, also for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

First inside for 3. A compliment to Rev Eileen Lockhart, Associate Minister, on her last Sunday service as she retires from an active role in St Mary’s clergy. With thanks to Eileen for her ministry in the parish since 1998.

First in method for 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

First as conductor Simon Ward

For Choral Evensong for the Feast of the Presentation and remembering Ron Petchey, ringer at Barking and father of 3 & 4, who died on this day in 2016

Rung for Candlemas

For Plough Sunday service being held in the local pub with the local plough being blessed.

A compliment to Bryan and Janet Shedel on their 56th wedding anniversary - married at St Mary's on 28th January 1961.

Birthday compliments to Dominique Erith and Lesley Barrell

For the church coffee morning and world cancer day.

First in method: 2

First inside in method: 5

For Evensong.

Rung for Evensong.

First on 8: 8

Rung immediately following choral Evensong.

500th peal for the Association - 4

Birthday compliments to david wenden

Remembering local ringer Duncan Anderson and Howard W Egglestone, who learnt to ring here.

For Evensong

For evensong

First Minimus by all after meeting short on practice night.

First peal on the bells since the installation of a new ringing floor.

50th peal - 2

63rd Wedding Anniversary compliment to Mr & Mrs Ronald & Isabel Hook, parents of 4.

Celebrating the 59th birthday of Mandy Miles. 150th 1/4 peal David Wenden

1st on 8 - 1. 1st in method by all except 8

Thanksgiving for the life of Hugh Culley, whose funeral took place this morning at Thorrington with over 300 people attending, lived in Frating 80 years, churchwarden and once treasurer of this church, great dear friend to all & will be sadly missed.

To welcome Dick back to peal ringing

wishing Evelyn Reeve a speedy recovery

For Ash Wednesday. In memory of John Watson.

First peal in this tower since 1814, and the first peal since augmentation.

Best wishes to Evelyn Reeve a speedy recovery from all at Thorrington tower.

Compliment to John Cousins on his last day of being in his sixties.

First inside: 3.

Half-muffled in fond memory of Elaine Ambrose,for many years a loyal church worker, especially among children, and a bellringer until ill health and failing sight took their toll. RIP.

Rung in memory of Cissie and Clifford James

First 720 for the third ringer, Birthday wishes for Dame Vera Lynn for 20th March. Rung for Sunday service.

Rung to celebrate the 90th birthday of Russell Lambert, Father-in-law of the Tenor ringer and 19th birthday of the Treble ringer, both on 28/2/17.

Rung following the Essex County Council Thanksgiving Service.

For Bellringers Strike Back Against Blood Cancer (SBABC).

First Little Bob Minor by all except the conductor.

Completes the Little Bob family from 6 to 12: 2,4.

In memory of Suzy Abrashi stepsister of 4.

Most spliced: 3

Rung as an 18th birthday compliment to Connor Harmer (7). Members of the band wish to be associated with this quarter peal

1: First treble bob

Rung to congratulate Rev Mike Lodge on his installation as Archdeacon of Southend after 12 years as Rector at Rayleigh

In memory of Private Edward Harry Emery, Stebbing, Essex. Died 26/03/1917 age 21. Essex Regiment 5th Bn. Service No.250503. Commemorated at Jerusalem Memorial, Israel, Panels 33 to 39.

Born 1st quarter of 1896. Son of Harry Percy and Cecilia Emery of Church End, Stebbing, Chelmsford. Member of the choir, and ringer at the Parish Church. He worked as a domestic kitchen boy before enlisting. Born: Stebbing, Essex. Enlisted: Chelmsford. Resided: Stebbing, Essex.

Rung for Mothers' Day and as a compliment to the treble ringer on his 21st birthday.

900th QP: 4

Rung for Mothering Sunday

In memory of Kenneth Sidney Hood 5th October 1926 to 24th February 2017. Father of Andrew Hood.

For Mothering Sunday.

Rung half-muffled in memory of Herbert Bambridge of this Parish who served with the 5th Battalion the Essex Regiment and died on this day in 1917 in Palestine at the First Battle of Gaza.

Rung on the 40th anniversary of the fire that destroyed the Church on the evening of 28th March 1977. Fortunately, the bells were saved with minimal damage

For Choral Evensong

Rung half-muffled in memory of Elizabeth Parsons, Churchwarden Emeritus and mother of Edwin, 18/4/1933 to 28/2/2017 on the eve of her funeral service.

For Evensong.

First Quarter Peal inside :2

A treat for the Conductor, rung on his birthday in the town where he was born.

Rung following Choral Evensong.

Rung in memory of Duncan Anderson, fellow ringer of this tower.

Rung half muffled for Good Friday.

Rung to celebrate the wedding of Caroline Avis and Ryan Howlett which took place on Saturday 8th April at Saint John the Baptist, Layer de la Haye. Remembering Caroline's father, John Avis, who was taught to ring at Saint Leonard at the Hythe, Colchester.

For Easter

First quarter peal at first attempt: 1 (aged 12)

Ringers of 2 to 5 are mother, brother, father and uncle of 1.

Brian Beech (grandad) would like to be associated with this quarter.

For Easter Sunday Evensong.

Rung for Easter Sunday

Rung to celebrate H.M.The Queen`s 91st Birthday.

For H.M The Queen's 91st Birthday, Long May She Reign.

For H.M Queen's 91st Birthday & St George's Day

Rung in memory of Caroline Lowe, Ingrave.

For the Southern District Quarter Peal Day With-a-Difference.

Rung in memory of Caroline Lowe, Ingrave.

For the Southern District Quarter Peal Day With-a-Difference.

To mark the natural birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II on the 21st; St George's Day on the 23rd and the 26th Wedding Anniversary of the treble and tenor on the 20th April.

Rung in memory of Caroline Lowe, Ingrave.

For the Southern District Quarter Peal Day With-a-Difference.

First on 8: 1,8

Rung in memory of Caroline Lowe, Ingrave.

For the Southern District Quarter Peal Day With-a-Difference.

First on 8: 1

Rung in memory of Caroline Lowe, Ingrave.

For the Southern District Quarter Peal Day With-a-Difference.

In memory of Rose Wakeling, a loyal and long-standing member of the congregation and great supporter of the bells and ringers, who passed away on 19 October 2016. Specially arranged with the family for what would have been her 90th birthday (26 April) and Rose and Ron's 65th wedding anniversary (29 March). Also for St George's Day.

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Rung for St George's Day and in memory of Sgt Arthur Edward Smith, Essex Yeomanry, resident of Terling who was killed on 11th April 1917 aged 24 and commemorated on the Arras Memorial - His name liveth for evermore.

First peal in the method - 2 & 6

100th peal together - 1 & 8

For St George's day and H.M Queens 91st Birthday, Rung for Sunday service.

Rung for St. George's Day and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting

For St George's Day.

First Major :- 2

Rung for St. Georges Day.

Rung for the patronal festival

For St George's Day & H.M Queen's 91st Birthday,

15th as Conductor.

First Quarter-peal 1. For St George's Day.

First for 7 as conductor for surprise major

Rung between services for St George

For St George.

Before Evening Prayer. 1st Inside 2. For St. Georges Day and for Queenie Brown to celebrate her many years of dedication to ringing.

Rung in memory of Cpl Reuben Law, Essex Regiment 1st Bn. Service No.28790, local ringer. Mentioned in Despatches, Died 24/04/1917 age 30. Commemorated at Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany, Grave XVI. A. 7. Son of the late Reuban and Esther Law of Rickling, Essex. He worked as a stable boy and then a domestic gardener before enlisting. Born: Ugley, Essex. Enlisted: Saffron Walden. Resided: Stansted, Essex.

First Grandsire: 3.

First in method: 4

50th peal on the bells - 3 & 6

Giving thanks for the life of Jean Twyman, choir member, pastoral visitor and long standing worshipper at St Mary's Great Bentley.

50th 1/4 peal Mandy Miles, close friend of Jean

A 29th wedding anniversary compliment to Helen & John Harpole.

Rung for Evening Worship

125th on the bells: 2

An 80th birthday compliment to Brian Beech.

Circled tower as conductor: 1

First Quarter-peal: 1.

30th Wedding Anniversary Compliment to Hazel and John Steed.

Rung half-muffled in memory of Samuel Hance of this Parish who served with the 23rd Battalion the Royal Fusiliers and was killed in action on this day in 1917 during the Battle of Arras.

Also Percy Smith of Felsted who, wounded in France in 1915, was invalided home and served with the Northern Command Depot (Ripon) of the Royal Field Artillery and died as a result of a shooting accident on 28th April 1917.

Remembering too Jake Whiteside, friend of the treble ringer, who died on 19th April 2017 aged 16.

Specially arranged and rung to the memory of Private John Poole, 4th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) who was drowned whilst on Active Service on 4th May 1917, aged 33 years. John was on the troopship Transylvania bound for Salonika when she was torpedoed as she crossed the Gulf of Genoa. 414 lives were lost. John’s body was never recovered and is commemorated along with 274 other men who have no known grave at the Savona Memorial, Italy. Born 1883, son on John and Esther Poole of St John’s Green Writtle. One of fourteen children he worked as a farm labourer before enlisting in Chelmsford. John Poole rang three peals for the Essex Association. His name liveth for evermore.

For 100th anniversary of the birth of Tina Hodge, mother of Linda

Specially arranged and rung to the memory of Private John Poole, 4th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) who was drowned whilst on Active Service on 4th May 1917, aged 33 years. John was on the troopship Transylvania bound for Salonika when she was torpedoed as she crossed the Gulf of Genoa. 414 lives were lost. John’s body was never recovered and is commemorated along with 274 other men who have no known grave at the Savona Memorial, Italy. Born 1883, son on John and Esther Poole of St John’s Green Writtle. One of fourteen children he worked as a farm labourer before enlisting in Chelmsford. John Poole was a ringer here and rang three peals for the Essex Association. His name liveth for evermore. The first part of this peal was listened to by John's niece, Phyllis.

In Thanksgiving for the life of Jean Twyman.

Remembering Private Alfred Gozzett, Maldon, St Marys, Essex. Died 07/05/1917 age 33. Middlesex Regiment "A" Coy. 20th Bn. Service No.51139. Commemorated at Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-Le-Grand, France, Grave V G 17. Born 1884. Son of Edward Gozzett and Elizabeth A Gozzett of Maldon, Essex. Husband of Eleanor Harriet Gozzett of 27 King Street, Maldon, Essex, who he married in 1908. Father of Alfred Henry Gozzett (Born 1908) and Joseph William Gozzett (Born 1910). He worked as a printing compositor before enlisting. Born: Maldon, Essex. Enlisted: Warley, Essex. Resided (1911 census): 27 King Street, Maldon, Essex.

For Evening Song.

First mixed doubles 5th ringer, first quarter tenor ringer.

For Evensong. 1st in m - 2. Completes the Beech family - 5

First in method - 3

The annual quarter peal celebrating Patmore family birthdays.

50th together: 4 & 8.

Rung on the occasion of Reverend Lee Batson's last service at St Andrew's, Boreham - with thanks for his support to ringing and the ringers. First as conductor of Grandsire Triples: 7 and first in method: 3 for South East Essex District Festival of Firsts.

Specially arranged and rung to the memory of Private Harry Saunders, Known as Harry ‘Bertie’ H Saunders. Essex Regiment 9th Battalion on what was thought to be the 100th anniversary of his death (subsequently found to be wrong!) He was living at Alma Square, Mistley. His occupation was the same as his father, a Fisherman. His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Harry has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial Bay 7. Died of wounds 18th July 1917 Aged 23. Harry was a ringer at this tower.

Rung for a practice night.

Specially arranged and rung to the memory of Private Harry Saunders, Known as Harry ‘Bertie’ H Saunders. Essex Regiment 9th Battalion on what was thought to be the 100th anniversary of his death (subsequently found to be wrong!) He was living at Alma Square, Mistley. His occupation was the same as his father, a Fisherman. His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Harry has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial Bay 7. Died of wounds 18th July 1917 Aged 23. Harry was a ringer at this tower.

First as conductor

Rung for Memorial Service

1: first treble bob; 4: first in method. A wedding compliment to Ruth and Christopher White, married on Friday at St Mary's where Ruth's parents are ringers.

Rung in memory of Diana Beryl Belcham, who died on 13/5/2017

550th as conductor: 6

Ad majorem Dei gloriam.

Rung in celebration of the Confirmation today of George Williams, close friend of the conductor, at the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Oxford.

"The Lord is my shepherd."

1st as Conductor - 5th

1st QP in this tower - 3rd

The conductor wishes gratefully to thank all those ringers past and present, near and far whose patience, tutelage and fellowship have made this QP possible.

Rung for the Swearing in service of all Churchwardens locally by the Bishop of Colchester, with over 120 people attending.

Best Wishes To Evelyn Reeve

In memory of Caroline Lowe, past ringer at nearby Ingrave. Ronnie Crighton would like to be associated with this quarter peal.

Celebrating the 70th birthday of Linda Hayes, loyal and long serving member of the current band since it's origins in 1999

As a mark of respect to those who lost their lives at Manchester last night, a moments silence and a candle was lit after the ringing with all practice night ringers remembering.

Rung in memory of Private Frederick Alma Ottley, Bentley Common, Essex. Died 24/05/1917 age 35. Welsh Regiment 1st/4th Bn. Service No.60646. Commemorated at Deir El Belah War Cemetery, Israel, Grave A 211. Born 14/11/1881. Son of Walter Ottley (died 1918) and Emily Jane Ottley (nee Turner) of Whitehorse Side, Navestock, Brentwood, Essex. He was one of 11 children and worked as a haybinder before enlisting. His youngest brother, also a bell ringer, Rifleman Walter Ottley, Rifle Brigade, also fell, 04/04/1918. Born: Navestock, Essex. Enlisted: Warley, Essex. Resided: Navestock, Essex.

Remembering all those affected by the tragic events in Manchester on Monday

First handbell quarter - 3-4

Remembering all those affected by the tragic events at the Manchester Arena.

Ist in two methods 2. 90th birthday compliment to Ken Day, retired ringer, and in memoriam for the victims of the Manchester bombing this week.

For Terling's Open Gardens Festival

Rung in sympathy for all the victims and families affected by the Manchester bombing

for the open gardens

For the open gardens

First inside: 4

For Whit Sunday. Also rung in memory of Gunner Edward George Harvey, 216th Siege Bty, Royal Garrison Artillery, Killed in Action on 10th January 1917, aged 24. Buried at Guards Cemetery, Lesboeufs, Somme; Stoker 1st Class John William Little, HM S/M "E36", Royal Navy, Killed in Action on 19th January 1917, aged 25. Commemorated at Portsmouth Naval Memorial; Second Cook Amos Harry Gentry, Mercantile Marine, SS Vedamore, Killed in Action on 7th February 1917, aged 21. Commemorated on Tower Hill Memorial; Private Henry George Hart, Aux Petrol Coy, Army Service Corps, Killed in Action on 8th February 1917, aged 30. Buried at Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension; Lance Serjeant Henry Lawrence Jeayes, 1st/5th Bn, Essex Regiment, aged 26. Buried in Gaza War Cemetery; Private Frederick Charles Malyon, "A" Coy,1st/5th Bn, Essex Regiment, aged 23. Buried in Gaza War Cemetery; Private Henry Frederick Perrin, 5th Bn, Essex Regiment, aged 19. Commemorated on Jerusalem Memorial. These three Killed in Action on 26th March 1917. Private Joseph Young, 6th Bn, Essex Regiment, Killed in Action on 27th March 1917, aged 21. Commemorated on Jerusalem Memorial; Private Leonard George Moss, 2nd Bn, Honourable Artillery Company, Killed in Action on 1st April 1917, aged 22. Buried at HAC Cemetery, Ecoust-St. Mein, France; Gunner Richard Eaton, 122nd Bty, Royal Field Artillery, Killed in Action on 14th April 1917, age unknown. Buried at Athies Communal Cemetery Extension, France; Major Alfred James Usborne, 50th Bde, Royal Field Artillery, Killed in Action on 29th April 1917, aged 27. Buried at Ste Catherine British Cemetery, France; Private John Poole, 4th Bn, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), Killed in Action on 4th May 1917, aged 33. Commemorated at Savona Memorial, Italy. All the men were from Writtle. Their names liveth for evermore. First on eight: 1.

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Rung in sympathy for all those affected by the terror attacks in London yesterday evening

Rung following Evening service.

Most Surprise Major: 2.

1st quarter inside - 2

For the christening and first birthday of Elodie Erith granddaughter of 1 & 4

Rung for the Opening Ceremony of Writtle Gardens Open Day. Also rung in memory of Private Ernest Sharp from Writtle, 13th Bn, Middlesex Regiment, Killed in Action on 10th June 1917, aged 19. Commemorated at Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. His name liveth for evermore. 900th recorded quarter: 4. 175th as Conductor: 5

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The re inauguration of Rayleigh's Trinity Fair last held in 1899 and also wishing Ros a happy birthday.

First Quarter peal for Nick De-Vries

200th for the Association: 8

Birthday compliment to George.

With the bands thoughts and prayers for those involved in the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Rung at 7 pm for BBC Music Day

An 80th birthday compliment to the ringer of the 4th.

Rung half-muffled in memory of Albert 'Victor' Clift of this Parish who served as a Bombardier with Royal Field Artillery, and died on this day in 1917 serving with 'D' battery in the 38th Brigade. He is remembered at the Underhill Farm Cemetery and on the memorial at Great Waltham.

Rung for the Church Summer Fete and for the official Birthday of H.M. The Queen, also a Birthday compliment to the ringer of the 3. Most m: 4.

Rung prior to Confirmation by the Bishop of Bradwell. First 4 spliced - 6

Rung for Corpus Christi and in sympathy for all the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire

Rung in celebration of the life of Margaret Bugden who died 3/6/17

For the Patronal Festival. Most SS Major - 5. 450th together - 5, 8

First in method 2. For evening service.

First blows in the method - 3

1850th peal - 8

For Evensong and in memory of the sacrifice made by 2nd Lt. William Harrod Martin on 18 September 1916. This is to replace a lost quarter last September and delayed until now because of roof works to our church.

Rung half-muffled in memory of Frederick Thomas Gibson MM, who died this day in 1917 aged 44. Frederick served as a Corporal with the 73rd Field Company, Royal Engineers which was much involved in the preparations for the 3rd Battle of Ypres. He is buried at the Ypres Town Cemetery Extension, in Belgium. Corporal Gibson was awarded the Military Medal.

In celebration of Coggeshall Tower Captain Janet Edwards's Birthday.

6 - First Quarter at First Attempt

Rung half muffled in memory of Arthur Saines of this Parish who served with the 11th Border Regiment and was killed in action, aged 23, at Nieuwport, Belgium on this day in 1917, whilst improving defences on the Western Front.

Rung for Confirmation by Bishop Roger

Birthday compliment to Sue Orriss. Rung for the flower festival

In memory of John Gipson.

Rung for Bell Sunday and for the Ordination as Priest of the Revd Barbara Read this day.

For the open gardens weekend & also a "thank you" to the open gardens with the proceeds going to church funds.

A well struck quarter.

Rung following the Patronal Festival party and Choral Evensong.

Rung in memory of Private Arthur Cottee, Roydon, Essex. Died 08/07/1917 age 31. Hertfordshire Regiment 1st Bn. Service No.269564. Commemorated at Brandhoek Military Cemetery, Belgium, Grave I N 49. Son of Charles Cottee and Sarah Emma Cottee of Water Lane, Roydon, Herts. Born: Parndon, Essex. Enlisted: Epping, Essex. Resided: Roydon, Essex.

300th peal; 6.

Rung for Morning Service. Also rung in memory of Gunner George Jones, Royal Marine Artillery, HMS Vanguard, Killed in Action on 9th July 1917, aged 25. Commemorated on Portsmouth Naval Memorial. HMS Vanguard came to a tragic end while anchored in Scapa Flow. An internal explosion destroyed the ship. Of the 845 men on board only two survived and it remains one of the biggest tragedies in the history of the Royal Navy. Also in memory of Private Basil Harold White, 1st Bn, Northamptonshire Regiment, Killed in Action on 10th July 1917, aged 28. Commemorated at Nieuport Memorial, West Vlaanderen, Belgium and Private Charles Wilkinson, 2nd (Garrison) Bn, Essex Regiment, Killed in Action on 16th July 1917, age unknown. Buried at Basra War Cemetery. All from Writtle. Their names liveth for evermore.

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For evensong

First blows for the 5th

Rung before Evensong for the Patronal Festival and as a compliment to Sarah Stonehouse, Director of the Girls' Choir and Assistant Organist who is leaving her post after 15 years.

125th peal on the bells - 3

Birthday Wishes to Miss Sarah Clarke, Long serving ringer at Thorrington, Youngest to ring a peal in the tower to date.

All the band are present, past and great ringing friends of Thorrington tower & who have knew Sarah throughout her ringing.

Joint Conducted

Rung to the memory of Lance Corporal William Waite of the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) 97th Coy who gave his life for his country on 11th July 1917, aged 32. Father of William, Eva, Horace and Alice and resident of Great Dunmow.

In memory of Gunner William Ernest Jay, Rettendon, Essex. Died 13/07/1917 age 20. Royal Garrison Artillery 159th Siege Bty. Service No.59613. Commemorated at Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 4 and 61. Son of Walter Jay and Hannah Jay of Rettendon, Essex. Born: Rettendon, Essex. Enlisted: Chelmsford. Resided: Battlesbridge, Essex.

Rung to celebrate the 30th Wedding Anniversary of Paul and Caroline Andrews (3) on 25th July 2017.

First peal in the method by all except 5.

250th peal together - 2 & 8

Rung for the Birthday of Roger Carey-Smith on Monday.

Specially arranged and rung to the memory of Private Harry Saunders, known as ‘Bertie’, service no. 24508. Essex Regiment, 9th Battalion. Died of wounds 18th July 1917 Aged 23. He was a ringer at this tower and lived at Alma Square, Mistley. His occupation was the same as his father, a Fisherman. His Medal Index Card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Harry has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Bay 7.

Specially arranged and rung in memory of Private Bertie Gowers, 9th Bn, Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own (Yorkshire Regiment) (formerly 26292, Essex Regiment). Killed in Action on 17th July 1917, aged 26. Buried in Larch Wood (Railway Cutting) Cemetery, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. Bertie Gowers was born in Writtle on 29th May 1891 and was baptised at All Saints Church on 2nd August. His parents, Joseph and Sarah, two brothers and a sister lived in Bridge Street. Sarah died in 1908 aged 56 and her husband died in 1917. By the time of the war Bertie was married to Phyllis Mary Buckledee and lived at 27 Angel Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk. When Bertie died, he left behind a 6 month old son, Carl, and a pregnant wife who gave birth to Bertie's daughter Ruby 5 months later. Carl and his sister, Ruby grew up, married and had children of their own. A century later 11 members of Bertie's family, including his grandchildren, Peter, Anne and Graham together with Mark Brennan, Chairman of Hadleigh Royal British Legion and co-ordinator of the Hadleigh Great War Centenary Project and his wife visited Writtle and watched and listened to the Quarter Peal on a live feed from the belfry and ringing chamber. His name liveth for evermore.

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6: First tenor behind. To mark the installation of the new Shenfield village sign.