PCC Give Permission for Preparatory Work to Commence

At the Drayton Bassett Church Council meeting held last night permission was given to proceed with the preparatory work in the tower.


This will consist of the following work.
1)  Creating openings in the floors to allow materials and the new bells to be hoisted up the tower
2)  The installation of the new ringing room floor by a local joiner, Adrian Taylor
3)  The dismantling of the fittings from the smallest bell, which is going to be hung stationary for chiming. Moving the present 3rd bell to create space for the new bells to be hoisted into the belfry.
4)  Upgrading the present electrical system in the tower to provide safe access to all parts of the tower.


It is hoped that some of this work will begin shortly.


The PCC will meet again in November when, it is hoped, an order will be placed with John Taylor Bell Founders  for the casting and installation of the new bells.

Drayton Cubs to visit Tamworth tower

Karl Hughes, the cub leader of Drayton Bassett Scout Group, contacted me last week about a visit to see bell ringing at Tamworth St Editha's. We've arranged for the cub group to visit the tower at St Editha's on Wednesday 21st October at 7pm. They will see the bells and watch what bell ringing is about. Perhaps this will encourage some of them to learn to ring the new bells at Drayton when they are installed.

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.