Invitation for all ringers to attend a service at Portsmouth Cathedral or Winchester Cathedral and Presentation of the Winchester & Portsmouth Diocesan Guild Record of Ringing in remembrance of those who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1918

Firstly, thank you all for the ringing which took place during November 2018 to commemorate 100 years since the Great War.  It was a marvellous response!   Since this time the WW1 project team has been beavering away recording this ringing and any other celebratory ringing which took place from 1914 to remember those fallen who died during the Great War.  The book has now been completed and is with the printers – 480 sides of A4 – over 1,400 records.  A remarkable achievement!  Please be reminded though that we are still recording any further performances from 1st December 2018 in a Digital Archive which we are updating until the end of the year, so please continue to record any appropriate ringing in Bellboard so we can pick this up.  A link to the Digital Archive will be available in due course via both Cathedral websites as well as our own Guild website.  More details of this to follow.

Two copies of the book will be presented; one to Portsmouth Cathedral and one to Winchester Cathedral at evensong services as follows:

Portsmouth Cathedral – 12th May at 6pm

Winchester Cathedral – 19th May at 3.30pm

We have just finished sending out invitations to all of the 180+ churches where ringing took place and the responses have started to come in.  Whilst this has been happening we have been in discussion about what else we can provide for you, the ringers.  We have not completely tied everything down but would like to give you an update of where we are and send out a formal invite.

12th May – Opportunity to ring at other churches prior to the event including Portsmouth Cathedral itself.  Tea, coffee and cake to be provided after the service.

19th May – Mini ring will be provided in front of Winchester Cathedral.  See link http://www.charmborough.org.  Opportunity to ring at the Cathedral before the service.  Tea, coffee and cake to be provided after the service.

So are you interested in attending?  We really hope that you are and “Ringing Remembers” ringers please wear your badges proudly!

So what do you need to do?

1) If you are able to attend can you please email me at letting me know your name(s), tower and which service(s) you would like to attend.  Partners and families are also more than welcome.

Please include whether you would like to ring or not and if so at Portsmouth area or Winchester.

2) Are you able to help at all?  We are looking for helpers to:

• Make Cakes
• Assist with serving cakes, teas and coffee after the services, to ringers and invited dignitories
• Be around before and after the services to chat with the invited clergy and other guests

If you can help then please let me know at wphonsec@gmail.com

Full details of churches where you can ring and timings will follow as soon as possible.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Heather Frazer

Hon. Gen. Sec. W & P Guild of Church Bellringers

01256 465554