On Thursday 8 May 2025, we marked the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day by the ringing of our village bells, as the peoples, families and communities of our great nation came together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace and freedom since the end of Word War II in Europe that so many millions paid the ultimate sacrifice to achieve.VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.Then for Sunday 11 May 2025, the churchyard was decorated with much bunting, as were local houses, ready for a lively service led by Susan Rose which attracted 50 people to celebrate the peace and freedom over the last 80 years. WW2 tunes featured as did readings. Afterwards, and all afternoon in the glorious weather, there was a village picnic in the churchyard and on Church Green. Over 100 people brought their food and drink and were entertained by the Field Jammers band.
Three of the bells (numbers 2, 3 and 5) are 402 years old, the tenor bell (top right) was cast in 1822. They and the treble bell (bottom right) have not been outside the tower since 1931. The fourth bell (bottom left) was new in 2000 when it replaced a cracked bell.The project is fully described here. The latest timetable is:· Site meeting held on 14 May 2025· Bellhanger's foreman, Neil Deem, arrives at about midday on Monday 16 June with equipment. After safety briefing our volunteers will get it into the tower and start dismantling the fittings from the bells· Before 19 June 2025: Remove masonry from tower doorway · 19 June 2025: All bells except no.3 to be removed (with difficulty) through the tower door and loaded by Hiab onto the lorry and taken to the Bridport Works of Nicholson Engineering. Bell no 3 will be taken to specialist repairer Soundweld before moving on to Bridport.· The church clock will not be able to chime for a couple of months!· 21 July: Tower lighting upgrade· 1 - 2 days· 28 July 2025: Repair bell frame and repaint bell frame -2 weeks· 1 September but now postponed for at least four weeks: Re-install the bells, adjust the fittings and clock chime hammers - 5 to 7 working days. GHP 24.8.2025
Susan Rose led a refreshing service of Remembrance on Sunday 10 November at 11 am, preceded by the traditionally half-muffled bells ringing. Fifty people attended and commemorated, by the lighting of candles and reading of the 23 names of men from this parish who gave their lives in two World Wars with a bell tolled for every name as it was read.The D-Day landings 80 years ago was included with a young piper illustrating the story of Lord Lovat and his piper, Bill Millin.There was a retiring collection for the Royal British Legion.
A new exciting way to raise funds for St Mary's Church. Please support your local church if you can, and don't forget each ticket gives the chance to win a monthly cash prize or the once-a-year bonus prize. You don't have to be a Badby resident to join the draw. The draw is made at St Mary's Coffee Morning on the third Tuesday of each month.Forms from Judy Jordan on 07752 384969 or judyjordan27@gmail.com.
