A lone bellringer made a moving tribute to the late Captain Sir Tom Moore on the day of the remarkable fundraiser’s funeral.
The ringer, who did not want to be named, tolled his parish church bell 100 times, to honour the 100 year old who raised almost £33m for NHS charities.
In fact Hurst’s lone ringer was part of a nationwide tribute.
Bells were tolled in cathedrals and churches across the UK. Many villagers in Hurst paused last Saturday to listen to the tribute from St Nicholas Church in Church Hill.
One said: “It was lovely to hear the bell while quietly working on the allotment.”
The ringer at Hurst said: “It was in memory of a fantastic gentleman and also of all his generation who gave up so much for us.”
Covid restrictions have meant it was the first time the St Nicholas bells have been rung since Remembrance Sunday on November 8 and Armistice Day on November 11 last year.
Churchwarden Sue Payne said: “We’re pleased St Nicholas Church was able to join in the celebration of Captain Sir Tom’s life
“He was such an inspiration to us all.
“And we’re grateful to the anonymous person who volunteered to do this.”
About 300 towers in the UK recorded their ringing tributes to Captain Sir Tom on the Ringing World website: www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/
