Bells will be ringing out across the Isle of Wight tomorrow (Saturday 7th July) in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the NHS.
The celebratory ringing on the Island has been organised by the Isle of Wight ringers, members of the Winchester & Portsmouth Guild of Bell Ringers.
Deborah Pollock, Health Visitor in Ventnor, says:
“When I came up with the idea and approached the Portsmouth Diocese I never thought this would take off in such a big way. It’s great the way all the Bell Towers on the Island have supported the idea.”
The times for each church tower are as follows:
10:30-11:15 – All Saints’, Ryde
10:30-11.00 – All Saints’, Newchurch
10:30-11.00 – St. George’s, Arreton
11:00-11:30 – St. Mary’s, Brighstone
11:00-11:45 – St. Michael’s, Swanmore. Ryde
11:00-11:45 – Sts. Mary and Rhadegund, Whitwell
11:30-12:00 – All Saints’, Godshill
12:15 -13.00 – St. Mary’s, Brading
14:00-14:45 – St Saviour-on-the-Cliff, Shanklin
14:15-14:45 – The Minster Church, Newport
14:45- 15:15 – St. John the Baptist, Niton
16:00-16:45 – St. Andrew’s, Chale – followed by 5p.m. Communion Service
17:00-17:30 – All Saints’, Freshwater
Additionally during the day bells will be ringing at St Mary’s, Carisbrooke and St Peter’s, Shorwell where there will be ringing following weddings.
Viv Nobbs, a bell ringer at All Saints’, Ryde said:
“The NHS plays an important role in everyone’s lives and 70 years is a major milestone. We felt it was important to celebrate this and to give thanks to all who work in the NHS. All the towers on the Island were keen to participate.
“We’re currently practicing specifically for “Ringing for Peace” when bells across the UK will ring out on 11th November to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. On the Island 5 ringers died in the First World War.
Anyone interested in learning to ring so they can take part in commemorative Armistice 2018 Ringing in November should register by e-mailing [email protected]. Bell towers on the Island are offering taster sessions. Anyone interested in ringing with us for this truly significant event should contact us now.”
Service of Celebration – Wednesday 11th July at All Saints, Ryde
A multi-faith service of celebration is being held on Wednesday 11th July 2018 at All Saints Church, Ryde. The service will start at 18:00 and last for about 45 minutes. Light refreshments will be available afterwards. The service is open to all serving and former NHS staff as well as Islanders who want to support the NHS.
Register your interest in attending at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NHS70service/ or e-mail [email protected] or telephone 01983 822099 ext. 5703.
