Obituary: Bridget Cracroft-Eley


Obituary: Bridget K. Craycroft-Eley C.V.O (1933-2008)

Bridget died at her home in Hackthorn early on 29th August. Many will associate her with her official role as Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire. The people of Hackthorn will remember her for her great concern for the wellbeing of the village, a true lady and a highly respected "lady of the manor".
Her deep involvement with the community life of the village led to her becoming very active in their Millennium project. This resulted in enough money being raised to acquire a peal of six bells and have them hung in the tower of St Michael and All Angels Church, no mean feat in such a small community, Not only was she a driving force behind the project , but she also learned to ring alongside a number of local residents ready for the installation and she rang with them at the dedication in 2006.
She became an enthusiastic member of the local band and like all learners, she found that things were sometimes frustratingly difficult. After such sessions she was heard to say "That's it I'm giving up". Even so she would be there and ready to go next time. She learnt to ring Plain Hunt and was mastering Plain Bob on an inside bell. Along with the rest of the band she was intrigued by hearing the conductor calling for this mysterious man called "Bob". She would say, "I'll carry on until I've met Bob and then I'll go no further". Sadly, sudden ill-health intervened and she regretted having "never met Bob".
In her official life she was regarded with great respect which let her at the mercy of "name droppers" but she carried it with great dignity.
We felt that she enjoyed her ringing the fact that she was just able to be Bridget, one with the rest of us. She will be a hard act to follow and we all miss her. R.I.P.

Following a private funeral in Hackthorn Church for family, friends, villagers and staff.

There will be a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Bridget in Lincoln Cathedral on Thursday, 20 November, 2008 at 2.30pm. Please also note that all those attending are asked to arrive and be seated by 2.15pm.

The following half muffled quarter peal was rung in her memory by a local band on 1st September 2008.

1260 Plain Bob Doubles

Treble: Margaret Parker
2. Brian Smith
3. Sally Turnbull
4. John Bundy
5. David Fox (C)
Tenor: Helen McGurk

Hackthorn Ringers.