Ranmoor Ringers Outing Dore & Norton

  The day began with a discussion about Anglo-Saxon battles and boundaries and ended very convivially drinking tea and enjoying the recent building work at Norton church. The middle consisted of a leisurely lunch, very good company – oh and some bell ringing.

  The Ranmoor Ringers Spring Outing on 9^th April saw a group of eight ringers and two valued supporters, complete visits to the two local towers of Dore and Norton.

  The day started at Dore; a church that has been variously in the dioceses of Lichfield and Coventry, Southwell, Derby and Sheffield without moving an inch!. Whilst the ringers set about ringing, the supporters explored the village shops, coffee shop and an art exhibition in the Old School.

  After lunch, the group reconvened at Norton, where recent renovations have installed a ringing platform, moving the ringing room from ground to first floor. The ringers have a spacious ringing room with an excellent view down the centre aisle of the church. Local ringers joined the group, including a couple of young ringers. We wish them well with their bell ringing learning.

  Norton church is an ancient church with earliest mention of it being made in 1183.There is much of interest including the font (1220), the Blythe Chapel and the links to Sir Francis Chantrey (sculptor).

  The group had a great welcome at Norton and thanks must be recorded to Geoff and Sally Vardy for arranging access and making refreshments for all to enjoy whilst looking round the splendidly refurbished church.