Coronation Medals for Guernsey Bellringers

Guernsey Bell ringers were not to be left out on Coronation Day - May 6th 2023 - as bell towers across the island joined in the national 'Ring for The King', recruiting novices and training them to ring over an intensive seven week period before the big day. 

The Town Church Captain Duncan Loweth (now vice-captain) led the search for new bell ringers and was very pleased with the turnout, training a staggering twenty novices of which nine caught the ringing bug and continue to ring. 

The bells played sequences known as ‘Kings’, ‘Queens’ and ‘Rounds’ from 10.00 until 10.45 to coincide with King Charles and Queen Camilla’s procession to Westminster Abbey and whilst that wouldn't feel like a long time for the experienced ringers, it certainly would for the newbies. But with plenty of ringers at each tower, they were able to take breaks to rest in between. 

What they had not known, until receiving their invites to Government House, was that all people across the British Isles involved in national activities on the day, were eligible for the Coronation Medal. The Office of the Lieutenant-Governor had therefore made the application on their behalf and all those who rang on the day received their medals from His Excellency at a reception at Government House. 

There was an excitable buzz around the room as the bell ringers descended on the house where a welcoming group of hand bell ringers, led by Mr Loweth played a tinkling tune as they got their drinks. They were joined by the rectors of the bell tower churches and the Dean of Guernsey who applauded the ringers as they smiled for the camera and happily displayed their medals.

And never to be forgotten... St Anne's Church in Alderney also rang in their wonderful 12 bell church tower on the day, and will be presented with their medals when His Excellency is over in Alderney in May.