On Saturday 22 July 2017 Checkley Church held a “Bell Extravaganza & Fun Day” event to celebrate the successful completion of the Bell Restoration Project which should ensure that the ancient art of bell ringing will be preserved in Checkley for many years to come. Over £100,000 was raised to complete the restoration which was supported by members of the church community, the wider area, and many groups and associations, together with local and national companies including JCB.
The following morning Radio Stoke recorded the morning church service attended by the Archdeacon of Stoke-on-Trent, the Venerable Matthew Parker.
Members of the North Staffordshire Association of Change Ringers gave an explanation of bell ringing and members of the Checkley Bell Ringers, together with other local ringers, gave a demonstration of the ringing of the Checkley bells..
The Lichfield Diocesan Mobile Belfry was there to allow visitors to try their hand at bell ringing. Click below for more details.
The Alton Handbell Ringers gave a performance of Hand Bell Ringing.
Other activities during the day included a children’s fancy dress competition, a BBQ, bouncy castle, a grand raffle and a silent auction. A JCB machine was also available to be viewed.
On Sunday 23 July the morning church service was recorded for BBC Radio Stoke.