Last Sunday, a small team of ‘professional’ Parwich cameramen were asked to make a video record of the St. George’s Day Parade. The exercise was meticulously planned and good vantage points were identified the day before. One of these points happened to be the bell tower of St. Peter’s Church, providing a rather interesting panorama of the village. In addition to the filming, our roving reporter took a few still pictures to share with you.
- The Procession Arrives at St. Peter’s Church
The Scouts Arrive Prior To The Playing Of 'The Queen'
Then It's Into The Church For The Service
The bell tower is a fascinating place. The ascent starts with a narrow climb up a spiral staircase. As you clamber up, you pass the original rusty gas meter for the church. The staircase winds to the left as you climb – the opposite way to most staircases in castles and fortifications. (Staircases winding to the right helped the defenders by keeping the swords of right-handed soldiers on the outside of the stairs).
At the top of the spiral staircase you reach the Lower Platform where bell ringers use ‘music scores’ to peal out the melodies. The numbers of each bell are written in sequence, scrawled on rough strips of cardboard.
- The Bell Pulls On The Lower Platform
A rather springy ladder allows you to climb further. A trap door serves as the entrance to the Upper Platform.
- The Ladder Between The Lower and Upper Platforms
The main bell is situated in the Upper Platform. The old oak supporting the bell is bearing up well. Our reporter can say with some certainty that the bell is pretty loud when you are in the tower. He nearly jumped out of his skin the first time it rang!
The Main Bell Suspended On Old Oak
Looking Up To The Steeple From The Upper Platform
The Hammer System On The Upper Platform
Keeping this wonderful building in good condition was the primary purpose behind the fete last weekend. Thank you to all who supported it.
Looking forward, it will be pretty difficult to top this vista for the Wakes procession. We’re on the lookout for suggestions on new and unusual vantage points. Some kind people have allowed filming from their windows. Let us know if you have any bright ideas!
PARWICH.ORG 
fantastic entry – thank you — saves me making the effort to go!