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The 1552 Inventories show Appleton Church Tower as containing “three bells and a sance belle”. In 1817, these bells were replaced with a ring of six bells given by the then Lord of the Manor, Robert Southby. The ring was dedicated on 4th March 1818, the villagers were given the day off and the Appleton Society of Change Ringers formed. Each March the anniversary of this day is celebrated by ringing and a dinner in the evening which is attended by local ringers and ringers from considerable distances away. The March 4th song originally composed by the village schoolmaster John Harding was first sung in 1818 (more verses were added in 1854 and 1977) and is still sung at the celebrations. 2018 is a very special year, as we celebrated the 200th March 4th anniversary in Appleton! On Sunday 4th March, Richard and Felicity Dick very kindly allowed this event to be held at The Barn South Lawn and Whites of Appleton Bell Hangers held a display at the workshop with open ringing.

 

Where peals are on Saturday mornings there will be no practice at Appleton on the preceding Friday evening.

 

Ringing Times:

We ring at 9.30 for the 10.00 service on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of the month and from 5.30 pm for the 6.00 Evensong service on the 1st and 3rd Sundays.

 

Practice night is Friday from 7.30 until 9.00 pm and visitors are always very welcome then and on Sundays.

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Recruits:

Appleton ringers are looking for new recruits to help ring our church bells. The bells have

sounded over the village since 1818 when the first 6 bells were given by Robert Southby and we no longer have enough ringers to ring all 10 bells. Most people have the ability to

become a good ringer. Great physical strength is not required and people of all ages from

10 upwards are welcome. Perhaps you used to ring and would consider taking it up again?

If you think you might be a little rusty, don't worry! You'll be surprised at just how quickly

and easily you can pick up ringing again. If you would like to find out about learning to ring then come and see us in the tower between 7:45 pm and 9:00 pm on a Friday evening or contact us by email at [email protected] or phone Michele Winter on 01865 864289.

 

We try to keep the Church calendar updated so that you can check, if in the unlikley event, practice night has been cancelled at short notice. 

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Visitors:

We would be delighted to receive visiting ringers, just drop us an email to arrange a day.

 

For more information on the tower and bells visit: http://odg.org.uk/history/onb/appleton_st_laurence.html

 

 

Updated 22.05.2018