Bellringers Celebrate Diamond Wedding
John and Blanche Stephenson celebrating their Diamond Wedding.
On 27th August 2015, John Stephenson of St Andrew’s bellringers, and his wife Blanche, celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
Bell Ringers Strike a Blow for Democracy
The ringers from Hornchurch and South Ockendon that took part in the general ringing.
This year saw the 800th Anniversary of Magna Carta and bell ringers from across Havering took part in the National celebrations.
On 15th June 1215, the first version of Magna Carta or ‘Charter of Liberties’ was signed at Runnymede Meadows by King John. This removed absolute power from the King and paved the way for parliament and the many freedoms that we enjoy today.
Bell Ringers Team Up To Ring For VE Day
Bell ringers from St Andrew’s, Hornchurch and Holy Cross, South Ockendon joined forces to support the National Campaign to ring for the 70th Anniversary of VE Day on 9th May 2015. The ringing took place at Hornchurch and included rounds on 10 and call changes on 8. The event was well supported with 18 ringers from both churches taking part. Congratulations to all involved especially those ringing for a special event for the first time.
Bell Ringers Peal for New Royal Princess
St Andrew’s bells have been rung for many Royal occasions over the years.
When 2nd May was arranged as the date to ring a peal for the Royal Birth, we thought that we were going to be too early but when we assembled just before 10.00am, we knew that the Duchess of Cambridge was already in labour.
Hornchurch and Anzac Day
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.
Hornchurch Ringers Welcome New Baby Boy
Letitia and Andrew Smith from the Hornchurch band are now the proud parents of a brand new baby boy, Evan David who was born at 5.15pm on 8th June, weighing 8lb and 5oz. Both parents have rung at Hornchurch for a number of years, Letitia since 1995 when she was 10 and Andrew since 2002.
District Striking Competition at Theydon Garnon
The District Striking Competition took place at Theydon Garnon on 7th June 2014. We entered a band from St Andrew’s and came second to Dagenham after ringing 240 Plain Bob Doubles. The ringers taking part were Gavin C, Phil, Clive, Rebecca, Alan and Elaine.
First Peal on New Ninth Bell
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.
Out with the old bell, in with the new
Watch the video of removing the old cracked 9th bell from the tower
Update on the new ninth bell at St Andrews
The Diocese recently granted us the faculty to replace the cracked ninth bell at St Andrew’s. The bell foundry atWhitechapel were then able to cast the new bell on 22ndNovember but have confirmed that it will not installed until early in the New Year. A few of the bell ringers and congregation were lucky enough to go to watch the casting.