Best Wishes from a former Resident Minister of Drayton

I met Philip Hall a few times when he was Resident Minister at Drayton between 1995 and 2001. I had the pleasure of meeting him again at Don Hellmuth's memorial service in November, where he showed great interest in our efforts to augment the bells at St Peter's Church.

Today I received a letter from him wishing us well with our effort to augment the bells and enclosing a very generous donation to the bell appeal.

People who have any contact with Drayton Church retain a warm connection with it.

First New Learner Takes to the Ropes

Brian Reynolds, a Drayton villager, volunteered a while ago to learn bell ringing in order boost the number of people available to ring the new bells when they are installed later this year. We started off about 2 weeks ago using a bell at Drayton. This didn't go well as the long length and dampness of the rope on the bell made it difficult to handle. We then transferred to Tamworth where the length of rope is shorter and the atmosphere drier. Brian has had 6 lessons of about 1 hour each. He is making good progress and ringing the bell with a little help. He said that when he saw people ringing the bells he didn't realise it involved so much skill. He is persevering and is determined to be able to take part in ringing the new bells when they are installed.

Tower Electrics Having a Makeover

Yesterday I called in at St Peter's to see the progress with upgrading the electrics in the tower. Matt, the electrician, had made good progress. The new dual strip light and emergency lighting had been fitted in the ringing room. The whole staircase was now equipped with bulkhead lights and there were now no dark patches. The clockroom had been equipped with new lighting to illuminate the whole space. A new floodlight to illuminate the whole of the belfry was just being installed, together with electric sockets for ease of maintenance.


To be completed was wiring these circuits into a new consumer unit in the church which will ensure that the electrics in the tower can be extended if necessary in the future.



This is the emergency light in the ringing room. It will ensure that if the power goes off. This will switch on and ensure the ringers can catch their ropes.