In Memoriam

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.

Death of Alan Baldock (Hailsham ringer)

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Alan Baldock. He passed away peacefully yesterday morning (16 December) after a short illness.

Alan held many positions of responsibility in the Association over many years, and was a long service member (more than 50 years membership). He was Master from 1975 to 1978, and was Association Peal Secretary from 1995 onwards. Alan was also elected as a Vice President of the Association. He learned to ring in Eastbourne but rang for many years at Hailsham. He rang a total of 1207 peals of which 987 were for Sussex.

Alan was one of the CCCBR representatives for the Sussex County Association between 1978 and 2014 and was then an Additional Member of CCCBR from 2014-2018.  He had a long-standing interest in Peal Records. He served on the Peal Records Committee from 2008-2018, having joined specifically to work on improving the accuracy of the information in the Felstead Peals Database, dealing with the corrections and anomalies that come to light over time. His thorough and detailed work on Felstead was extremely valuable in enhancing this resource. 

A thanksgiving service will take place at Hailsham Parish Church (St. Mary’s) on Thursday 13 January at 12.30 pm, followed by refreshments in the church. Open ringing from 11.30 am.

The thanksgiving service for Dad will be livestreamed via the Church website and then by clicking on ‘View LiveStream’ at the time of the service. Please email Rachel Moss This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.