THE Coddington bell-ringers joined many towers across the nation to mark the Queen's birthday

The Coddington peal took place on Sunday, June 12.

Spokesman, Geoffrey Phillips said: "Although there was no service at All Saints’ Church on that day, the Sunday services being shared with Eastnor, nevertheless, the bells rang out enthusiastically and the local parishioners, complete with children and grandchildren, were abundant in their support.

"The churchyard was appropriately decked with bunting and flags – one a giant Union Flag, which appeared to have been partially shredded by shrapnel and, as has become normal, locally, the celebratory event took on the mantle of a garden party, and snacks and drinks were generously provided."

Mr Phillips added: "To accomplish the purpose of the wonderful ‘festival’ gathering, the bell-ringers rang a stirring, ‘Royal Birthday’ quarter-peal of ‘Bob Doubles’, lasting three-quarters of an hour; as a full peal takes three hours). Significantly, too, it was the first quarter-peal rung by two of the band, Ann Dex and myself, and was something of a small milestone in our ringing careers."

The ringing chamber in All Saints’ Church at Coddington is on the ground floor and open to the body of the church.

Mr Phillips said: "It was the perfect place to introduce the children, and some of their parents, to the ancient, and normally unseen, art of change-ringing.

"All in all, it was a fitting way to wish the Queen ‘Many Happy Returns’; the sun shone on us and the Coddington bell-ringers and all involved hope it will be repeated many times in the future."