Anzac Day has always had a special meaning for the residents of Hornchurch in Essex due to the stationing of New Zealand and Maori soldiers there during the First World War.

In 1916 Grey Towers in Hornchurch was chosen to be the site of The New Zealand Convalescent Hospital which opened in July that year and ultimately grew to accommodate 2,500 patients.

Several soldiers died from pneumonia and are buried in St Andrew’s Churchyard in Hornchurch. By the end of 1918 some 20,000 had passed through the hospital but their time in Hornchurch has never been forgotten.

Anzac day 2015 was chosen as the date for the Hornchurch bell ringers’ outing to Hampshire. We visited New Alresford and Alton and enjoyed a train ride on The Watercress Line between the two towers. As well as general ringing, we successfully completed two quarter peals which were rung to commemorate the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign and the close association between Hornchurch and the New Zealand troops.

New Alresford, Hampshire
St John the Baptist
Saturday, 25 April 2015 (15–3–18 in E)
1280 Plain Bob Major
1 Elaine J Woolward
2 John W Stephenson
3 Gavin S Carpenter
4 Christopher C M Pain
5 Paul J Bloomfield
6 Nicholas M Allen
7 Alan S M Street
8 Clive J Stephenson (C)

For Anzac Day commemorating the centenary of the Gallipoli Campaign

 

 

Alton, Hampshire
St Lawrence
Saturday, 25 April 2015 (18–1–20 in E)
1260 Grandsire Triples
1 Nicholas M Allen
2 Gavin S Carpenter
3 John W Stephenson
4 Elaine J Woolward
5 Christopher C M Pain
6 Paul J Bloomfield
7 Clive J Stephenson (C)
8 Alan S M Street

For Anzac Day commemorating the centenary of the Gallipoli Campaign