A group of bell ringers in Hanslope, Buckinghamshire have chimed up to thank organisers of the village’s Living Advent Window initiative and a local housebuilder after having raised and donated £535.50 towards the Church Bells Restoration Fund at St James the Great Church.
It means the group have taken another step towards raising the total of £80,000 required to carry out a major renovation of the church bells.
Anna Everington, organiser of Hanslope Living Advent Window, said: “Hanslope’s Living Advent Window event was a great success. Each night in December a different house in the village would light up a Christmas window. Mulberry Homes sponsored the map which was created for free by one of our talented villagers and these were sold across Hanslope and the surrounding villages detailing the location of each window. We had lots of residents wanting to take part, many hosting and offering mulled wine and minced pies on the evening their window was lit up. Local children and adults alike loved touring the village looking at all the dressed windows and it really was a wonderful opportunity to meet new faces across the village whilst supporting a worthwhile cause.”
Kerry Jones, Head of Sales at Mulberry Homes said: “We’re building new homes at our St James Manor development off Long Street in the village, so when we heard of such a festive community inspired initiative and worthy local cause we immediately wanted to get involved and help. The church bells can be heard across Hanslope and they bring joy to many so we are delighted to be able to help move the group closer to their fundraising target.”
Roy Keeves, Tower Captain at St James the Great Church said: “We’re very grateful to Anna and the organisers of the Living Advent Window and to Mulberry Homes for their donations. It has provided us with a boost towards being able to carry out the refurbishment. We’re always on the lookout for new members so if there’s anybody in the area who wants to take up a fun new hobby that is sociable, then we’d love to hear from them.”
The group meets every Thursday evening from 7.30pm. Anyone interested in joining them can contact the Tower Captain on 01908 510105 and anyone wanting to donate to the Hanslope Church Bells Restoration Fund can do so by contacting dianegordon58@btinternet.com.
Mulberry Homes is building a collection of just 12 superior three and four bedroom homes at St James Manor in Hanslope from just £334,950 – £625,000 with Help to Buy and Part Exchange available. Voted ‘Best Kept Village’ in 2016, Hanslope provides its residents with a doctors surgery, public house, primary school and local convenience store in a peaceful countryside setting with the benefit of living near a vibrant city with great commuter links. For more information about the new homes please visit St James Manor view home (located off Long Street Road, Hanslope, MK19 7BW) open every weekend between 10am – 4pm or call 01582 742165.