In Memoriam

Death of Mary Rice (Ringmer ringer)

We are sad to announce the passing of Mary Rice (formerly Thorpe) of Ringmer. Mary was an SCACR member of over 50 years, ringing in Uckfield and Chiddingly before moving to Ringmer.

A service of thanksgiving for Mary’s life will be held at St Mary the Virgin church, Ringmer on Thursday 20 October at 2.30pm with open ringing beforehand. All are welcome to ring. For those who wish to ring in a quarter peal immediately after the service, please let Marisa know via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mary (thinking of others until her last) has donated her body to medical science.

Needless to say we are thinking of Mary and all her family at this sad and difficult time.

Death of Shaun Spillane (former Chichester ringer)

It is with regret that we report the death of Shaun Spillane recently. Shaun would have been just 56 years of age but it is my understanding that he sadly died of a heart attack. Shaun was a Chichester ringer. He joined as one of a small group of learners at the Cathedral at the time of the Ringing Remembers campaign, making a good start in change ringing, and progressing to ringing regularly on Sundays. He became a member of the Cathedral Guild of Bellringers in 2019 and a member of the SCACR.
Shaun stopped ringing at the Cathedral when he moved to live in Felpham (prior to the first Covid 19 lockdown), but he is fondly remembered at Chichester.

Shaun's funeral will take place at Chichester Crematorium on Monday 20th June 2022 at 10.15 am. Those who knew Shaun are most welcome to join afterwards at: Robin Hood Pub, Shripney Road, Shripney, Bognor Regis, PO22 9PA. Doors open at 11.30 am

Death of George Francis (Warnham ringer)

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that George Francis died peacefully last night (1st May 2022) in hospital. The end of an era for Warnham and further afield. 

The funeral of George Francis will take place at St Margaret’s Church, Warnham on Wednesday May 25th at 2:30pm. 

If you are unable to make the service, you can join the livestream here: https://youtu.be/ptfnNSnVkuU

Memorial service for Val Howard (Fairwarp & East Grinstead ringer)

Many ringers across the county will have rung with Val Howard who sadly passed away on 8 October 2020, she rang for many years at East Grinstead and latterly at Fairwarp where she was tower captain. 

There has already been a family funeral held during lock down which meant it was restricted to immediate family.

Val's family have now arranged for a Memorial Service to be held at Fairwarp Church on Saturday, 23 April 2022; this has been chosen as it is two days after the date of her birth.

There will be open ringing at Fairwarp from 12:00 - 14:30.
The Service will commence at 2.30pm and will be followed by interment of her ashes in the Garden of Remembrance. After this there will be an opportunity for those attending to get together for refreshments.