The Essex Association of Change Ringers   President: The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Chelmsford

The opportunity to hear bellringing at its very best will take place at Waltham Abbey on Saturday 22nd March 2014. 6 teams of 12 ringers will battle it out to qualify for the final of the National 12-bell Striking Contest and the competition will be fierce. Waltham Abbey will be host to bands from Guildford, Leeds, Melbourne, Norwich, St-Martin-in the Fields and York. The first three bands will go forward to the final at Christchurch, Oxford on 28 June, 2014, along with the winners at St Sepulchre, Holborn and St Giles, Cripplegate on the same day.

Teams are drawn from across the country, from huge Cathedrals to small country parishes. Ringers range in age from teenagers to pensioners, and in a wide variety of professions too.

Further details of the competition can be found at www.12bell.org.uk

Details of the day's programme, which includes guided tours of the church and an organ recital based on a bell theme is attached.

Such a prestigious ringing event requires a lot of organisation and support and as such, if you are able to spare an hour or two and can offer your services to help serve breakfasts, lunches or direct people to and from the Church, Jane Walters would love to hear from you. Please contact her directly on 01992 767873.

Vicki Chapman
General Secretary
(Saturday 15 February 2014)