Ringing in France

In August our Branch Chair and Ringing Master (David Salter) joined other ‘Bellringing Motorcyclists’ for a trip to Vernet-les-Bains in France to ring the only set of bells in France rung in the English way. St Georges Anglican Church in Vernet-les-Bains was established in 1911 through funding including Rudyard Kipling and Queen Victorias daughter, Princess Beatrice. This was in response to the growing interest from wealthy English visitors in the early 1900s and Frances only monument to the Entente Cordiale of 1904. Vernet les Bains has a ring of 10 cast by Taylors and was installed in 2019 through the enthusiasm and drive of Geoff Ladd, an expat originally from Leeds. Geoff moved to Vernet-les-Bain and was instrumental in getting the project going and regularly runs a Ringing School for other expats and other local ringers that he has taught. During his brief visit David was joined by other visiting ringers from Catherington (Hampshire) and was able to ring several Quarter Peals and a Peal (details on Bellboard).