Wonderful Meeting with lay readers Maureen and Neil from Drayton

Last Friday I met for a coffee and a chat with Maureen Casson and Neil Spink, Lay Readers at St Peter's Drayton. They were very supportive of the bell project and were heartened by the fact that the project was involving all sections of the village community and binding them closer together with the church. The fact that so many had already come forward to offer their practical help to the project and also to learn to ring was further proof that the church was seen as an important part of the community in the village.

Useful Planning Meeting at Manor School Drayton

Had a very fruitful planning meeting with Nicky Jarrett, the Y5/6 teacher at the Manor School, Drayton today.


We are looking forward to a geography/ history and literacy based topic on "Drayton Now and 100 years ago" to include work on 1st World War, the 6 men from the village who gave their lives in WWI,  the Peels and Drayton Manor. This will take place in the second half of the Autumn term.


 Another topic on bells and bell ringing will coincide with the installation of the new bells, hopefully early in 2016.

Total Passes £22,000

With another donation of £100, gift aided, from a lady in the village the total in the funds or promised has now past the £22,000 mark. A fantastic achievement. That means that we are only £10,000 away from our target. No far to go!

Descendant of another of the WWI heroes found

A great niece of Harry Clower, one of the six men from the village who gave their lives in the 1st World War has contacted me. Jane Greves is the great niece of Harry has promised to share all the information that her family has about Harry. We know that Harry's family farmed at Hill Farm, Drayton Bassett. In 1913 Harry emigrated to Canada. He was serving with the Canadian forces in France when he was killed.

Successful Quiz Evening at Village Club

Last night saw over 50 people at Drayton Bassett Club at a quiz evening in aid of the bell appeal. This time the event included a tasty fish and chip supper. Over £300 was raise for the funds and a very enjoyable time was had by all. A big thank you to Linda Hayes for organising the event and to the ladies who acted as quiz masters.

1st Drayton Scouts Support Appeal

A fantastic donation of £50 has arrived from the above scout group. They are keen to support things that are happening in the village that binds together the community.


This group has been running in the village for 40 years and Mrs Zena Dewes, their treasurer, has said that they have over 50 keen members aged from 6-12 years old.


I hope to work with the scout leaders to ensure that the scouts find out more about bells and bell ringing in general and what is happening to the bells in their village in particular. Maybe some of the older scouts might be interested in giving bell ringing a try!

Offer of Significant Donation received

I have just received an email from a couple in the village offering a donation of £1,000 towards the bell appeal. They have lived in the village for a number of years and were married in the church. A really big thanks for their generous gift. A big step nearer our target!