On Saturday 17th May 2014 starting at 1pm, the first peal on the new ninth bell was successfully completed in 3 hours and 12 minutes. The method was Grandsire Caters and the new bell was rung by Clive Stephenson who also conducted the peal.
The new bell was cast in memory of Frank Gant and Colin Wright and many of the band can remember ringing with Frank and Colin even though it was a long time ago. Indeed Frank Gant taught Clive to ring in 1974 when he was 14 and also taught Peter Sippitt to ring in 1962 when he was just 12.
After ringing the tenor to the peal, Peter recalled how, having lost his father at the age of 11, Frank became a welcome mentor and companion who took him out regularly to ring at other local practices.
The Essex Association
HORNCHURCH
St Andrew
Sat May 17, 3h12 (18cwt)
5039 Grandsire Caters
Comp. J. Carter
- David L Sparling
- Paul J Bloomfield
- Jillian Laken
- Owen C R Webster
- Dennis Ellisdon
- David E Rothera
- Simon J O Head
- William J Stungo
- Clive J Stephenson (c)
- Peter J Sippitt
First peal since the installation of the new ninth bell in January
Rung as a tribute to Frank Gant and Colin Wright by some of their ringing friends.