The story behind this event is one of appreciation from two sets of parents for the way in which their respective daughters, Becky and Jade, have been taught the rudiments of bellringing by our local team of ringers. Hearing there was a need to raise money for essential bell repair work within the church tower, Martin Digweed and Alan Money decided they would return a kindness and pitch in to help with the fund raising. Race nights are a very efficient ~ fun way of raising sizable amounts of money in a short space of time, and this evening, as we would ultimately discover, was to be no exception to that rule.

Many of the regular supporters of village hall based events were there, including Ed James from the village hall trustees and James Pryer from the village amenities group. The world of bellringing is a very close and supportive network, and is in stark contrast to so many of the groups and organizations in the world today. Ringers wouldn't expect you to support them and then not return the courtesy. The net result being that we were joined by advocates from no less than five different towers spread across the county of Berkshire.

There would be eight races during the evening with a break after the 9pm race for a hot supper of baked jacket potato and chile. Vegetarian alternatives to the chile were also available.

At the end of the evening winning owners and jockeys were invited to pick an envelope, each of which contained a prize. Maureen collected the dinner for two prize at the Hare Restaurant on behalf of her Managing Director.  Alan won a £20 bar tab voucher, and Mark is now the lucky owner of a lovely piece of bespoke bellringers pottery, crafted especially for this evening by fellow East Garston ringer Hilary Reem. The evening raised a massive £1,365 towards the repair of All Saint's treble bell, a fantastic achievement by any standards.

Martin, Alan and the bellringers would like to offer a big thank you to  ~ All the people who Sponsored races, to all the People who donated prizes and to those that gave cash donations including a couple of anonymous donators. Also grateful thanks to Sue Lewis (cooking) and Jo Darby (for working the Tote with Sarah) and to Jade and Becky for helping out on the night. Finally........ last but by no means least, thank you to everyone who bought Horses and Jockeys and to all who came along and supported us on the night.

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SPONSORS and PRIZE DONATERS Sporting Agenda Pat Murphy Racing Newbury Racecourse Deanwood Golfcourse The Hare Restaurant Welford Estate Q- Associates Fawcetts Garage Jason Palmer Hairdressing Douglas Instruments Lambourn Universal Stores Julian Lewis Katrina, Tammera & Janet Easterling Hilary Reem East Garston Village Hall & Social Club

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Photos and Text : Ken Tarbox
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