A novice with less than two months training was among those who rang the bells of St Mary’s parish church for an hour as crowds flocked to Ely city centre to watch the Coronation service from Westminster Abbey broadcast on big screens at the church and at Ely Cathedral.

Wendy Seaford was among those who answered the call to ‘Ring for the King’ which also saw experienced ringers Alison Evans and Jennifer Wallace returning to St Mary’s and other novices joining bell ringers at St James’ Church, Stretham.

A busy four days for the district’s bell ringers had begun on Friday, with a quarter peal of 1350 changes rung at St Mary’s to mark both the Coronation and the 1350th anniversary of Ely’s foundation.

It was also an 80th birthday compliment to Barry Bass, a retired bell ringer, and a farewell compliment to St Mary’s Rector, the Rev Chris Hill, who retired on April 30.

A team of six of St Mary’s most experienced ringers, including tower captain Simon Smith, rang a quarter peal of 1260 changes to mark the end of Coronation Day in lieu of lighting of the Beacon on St Mary’s Green which had to be cancelled because of bad weather.

Ely Standard: Bell ringers at St Mary’s Ely on Coronation evening preparing to ring a quarter peal of 1260 changes. From left, Simon Smith, Andrew White, Naomi Laredo, Tim Thompson, Clive Monk and Alexandre Kabla.Bell ringers at St Mary’s Ely on Coronation evening preparing to ring a quarter peal of 1260 changes. From left, Simon Smith, Andrew White, Naomi Laredo, Tim Thompson, Clive Monk and Alexandre Kabla. (Image: Liz Sayers)

On Bank Holiday Monday, Big Help Out Day, bells were rung at Haddenham, Soham, Wilburton and Wicken, all churches in the Ely diocese whose bells are without a regular band of ringers.

“About 30 ringers from a number of local towers were involved, including several more new recruits, and ages ranged from 12 to 94,” said John Mitchell, St Mary’s tower secretary.

“We are always delighted to welcome anyone interested in finding out more about bell ringing and ‘Ring for the King’ has been a wonderful way to encourage interest.”

Anyone wanting to find out more can contact John by emailing ringers@stmarysely.org