Elloe Deaneries Branch AGM - 2nd February 2013

It was a clear but cold day as I approached Crowland on the A16. I arrived slightly early for the meeting and took the opportunity to warm up in the Abbey.

SS. Mary, Guthlac & Bartholomew, Crowland Abbey

Eventually more people arrived and we did some Rounds & Call Changes on the 6. The long draft at Crowland Abbey can make the bells somewhat challenging.

Ringing at Crowland Abbey
Ringing at Crowland Abbey
At about 4:15pm we stopped ringing and went down the nave for the service, led by the Revd. Jonathan Sibley, who is the incumbent at St. Mary's, Long Sutton and is also the President of the Elloe Deanieries Branch. Ordinarilly the service would be taken by the local incumbent, but the Revd Charles Brown is presently abroad.

It also being the feast of "The Presentation of Christ in the Temple" (Candlemas), each member was given a candle for the service. The Revd. Sibley preached a sermon on Candlemas, nicely tying it in with bellringing. During the last hymn we lit our candles and after the hymn we said the Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimmitus). The hymns were all from the Green Service booklet The organ was played by Les Townsend (Cathedral Tower Captain) who played the March from Scipio by Handel after the service.

The members after the service

After the service, hot soup and a cold buffet was served at the back of the Abbey along with tea & coffee. (to be continued)

Jonathan Clark (webmaster)