News

Last week Richmond Villages Nantwich helped make a resident's dream come true by bringing a mobile belfry to the retirement village.

Rachel Sherwin, aged 102, used to ring bells at St. Chad's Church in Winsford, where she was number four of an eight-bell team. As climbing the stairs to a bell tower was no longer possible for her, the team at Richmond Villages Nantwich arranged for a mobile belfry to come to her instead, so she could relive a passion from her past.

The team from Lichfield Diocesan Mobile Belfry and bell ringers from Nantwich Church, who brought the mobile belfry to the village, played a tune before residents, staff, family and friends tried their hand at ringing themselves. The local Rector, Mark Hart, from St. Mary's Church in Nantwich, also came along to see the bells in action. Mark rings the bells at St. Mary's himself.

Rachel wasn’t the only resident with a bellringing history. Also enjoying the beautiful sounds of the bells was Carol Wisson, 74, who also has a history with bell ringing having taken part at Waltham Abbey Church in Essex when she was just 16 or 17 years old.

Talking about the experience, Rachel said:  "It took me right back to my bell ringing days, it was so lovely to hear and see the bells again."

Head of Lifestyle and Wellbeing, Jane-Ann Stubbs, added: "Getting to know our residents and understanding what matters to them allows us to create experiences that are personalised and meaningful. The event offered something a little different for everyone in the village to enjoy and we hope Rachel and Carol enjoyed themselves."