As you will know from recent Reports we have several promising young ringers amongst our band, so on the Monday morning of half term week we ran an additional practice especially for them. We also invited youngsters from neighbouring Marden, with adults from both towers providing support. Following two hours of practice the young people, along with the helpers, enjoyed a sumptuous lunch in the church, kindly provided by some of the adults. The event proved very worthwhile and we are now looking at holding similar events during future school holidays, perhaps extending invitations to young people at other towers in the Maidstone District.
Staplehurst is certainly a very popular place to ring at the moment. At our practice on 18th February we had a record 26 ringers, including 6 visitors, a number only normally achieved at some Cathedrals. Then on 9th March we were pleased to welcome some visitors from the Central European Association of ringers. They were visiting the UK to ring peals at Maidstone and Benenden and chose to join us for Sunday morning service ringing.
We have visitors coming to ring quarter-peals on our bells between 12noon and 1.00pm on Thursday 3rd April and between 11.00am and 12 noon on Monday 28th April. That aside, we will be ringing for our normal Tuesday practice evening and regular Sunday Services. However, as usual we will not be practicing during Holy Week.