On the evening of Friday 8th October, members of the Leicester Diocesan Guild rang 5040 Plain Bob Triples in 2h 59 at Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire to celebrate the 90th Birthday of Mary Thompson. Michael Angrave conducted.
Mary was born in the nearby village of Seagrave and started ringing at the age of 15. She married her late husband, Kevon, in 1959 and moved to Barrow upon Soar, where they were both active members of the local band. The arrival of two daughters brought about a 15-year gap in her ringing until later when the whole family became involved again. Mary stopped ringing in 2017.
Her wonderful ringing career spanning over 68 years saw her ring 21 peals as well as holding the position of the Syston district secretary for the Leicester Diocesan Guild. She and Kevon frequently rang at St Margaret’s church in Leicester during the 1980’s.
On the evening of the peal, Mary enjoyed the ringing from the comfort of her home with her daughter Jane and her son-in-law Geoff watching and listening to a dedicated livestream direct from the belfry at Holy Trinity. Afterwards, the peal band called round to Mary’s house and enjoyed a welcome spread including her delicious home-made sausage rolls.
More celebrations were in order as it was the first peal for ringer Jeremy Bowman who is a regular member of the band at Barrow upon Soar. Jeremy began to learn bell ringing just a year ago and was overjoyed to get his first peal on such a special occasion. He commented afterwards that he’d really enjoyed the experience and is looking forward to the next one.
All of us in the guild and beyond send Mary our best wishes on this milestone birthday!
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