Colesbourne Snowdrop Festival

The wonderful snowdrop gardens, near Cheltenham, recently featured on Countryfile open every year for 8 weeks for visitors.  As part of the event, the bells are rung at the Church which is located in the grounds of the estate.  Ringers book a slot (organised by Cirencester branch) either on the Saturday or Sunday afternoons from 2 – 4p.m. visit www.colesbournegardens.org.uk. Shipton under Wychwood ringers have taken part in this for the last three years, as a bonus ringers get free entry to visit the gardens. This year we were joined by friends from Fairford and Oxford, and rang a quarter peal of mixed doubles prior to general ringing.  It is a ground floor ring of 5 open to the Church, visitors are drawn to the church by the sound of the bells, many of them take pictures and the ringers are very much on view. Money is raised for charities and the Church, visitors when asked to comment on the event, mention the bellringing and the legendary teas and cakes, which the ringers are happy to partake in as a reward for their efforts! Thanks to all for taking part.