Christmas celebrations started early when 28 of us met up on 12th December at The Bridge House hotel in Longham for our annual Christmas meal instead of having our usual Thursday night practice. Citilodge did us proud and a good meal was enjoyed by all.
We had a full band to ring for all the services held at Hampreston over the Christmas period including a winter wedding, the candlelit Carol Service, Midnight Communion on Christmas Eve and of course the family service on Christmas Morning.
New Year’s Eve was enjoyed in the Traditional manner with a party and Handbell ringing during the evening before going on to Hampreston to see in the New Year at the church. The bells were rung half muffled to say farewell to 2013 and the New Year was welcomed in with open ringing, mulled wine and bubbly.
£3850 raised so far
We’ve also had a very exciting time appeal wise over the Christmas period and are now over half way towards our target.
We have received cheques totalling £1500 resulting from our Grant applications in addition to the £700 from the LEBRFwhich has been promised on completion of the work
Donations from individuals, ringers and other fundraising activities now come to about £1650
Jack is still making cakes for practice nights and Shirley has been selling Christmas cards and decorated candles for the appeaL
We have also had some private donations as a result of a newspaper article – these came without contact details, so we have not been able to send personal thanks, but we are very grateful!
Hampreston Bellringers 