Ashford District News

Ray’s funeral will take place on Monday 15th April at Brabourne Church at 11.30am

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Ray Lucas of Brabourne passed away on Friday night at the age of 82, following a long illness.  Ray had been an active and supportive member of the Ashford District for fifty years serving on the District Committee Read more…

This will take place on Monday 13th August, 2pm at St Mary’s Church, Rolvenden, TN17 4LS. There will be open ringing from 1pm.  All who knew Owen will be welcome.  For catering purposes please let Jane Walters know – (email: ).  Family flowers only.  Donations can be made to: The Read more…

Cynthia Gee of Benenden sadly passed away recently at the age of 92 after several years of residential care with dementia.  Over many years in the sixties, she took a succession of Benenden School girls to be taught ringing at Benenden Church by the late Jack Brown, then tower captain; and although Read more…

Sadly Owen Webster, one time Rolvenden ringer who moved to Essex and became a member of the Waltham Abbey band, passed away on Friday 27th July following a hard-fought battle with cancer.  In later life he moved back to this part of the world however his health declined to the point Read more…

Twenty-five ringers came and supported the January meeting held at Hythe on 20th January. Started at 10.30am and the ten bells were put to good use and touches included bob courses of Grandsire and Stedman Caters; three leads of Kent Treble Bob Royal and a half course of Cambridge Surprise Read more…

After the great disappointment last year, of being unable to raise any interest in a striking competition, we were very pleased that 8 bands were cajoled into entering this year. The competition was held at High Halden, a pleasant ring of bells but difficult to hear in the ringing room, Read more…

The dedication of the 2 new treble bells as at Lympne is being completed as part of the Sunday morning service on 26th June, with Richard Love officiating. Ringing from 10.00am followed by the service at 11.00am, and further ringing after the service if required.  All are welcome.

David Manger has advised the following: Alan’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 8th September.  A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s, Frittenden at 12.00, following a cremation attended by family and close friends.  All are invited to the service which will be preceded by general ringing from 11.00.  Read more…

Alan Bourne, former Tower Captain at Frittenden and Ashford District Ringing Master for many years, sadly passed away last night in Guy’s Hospital after a short battle with a brain tumour.  Funeral details will follow in due course.