John Barnes

Sad to announce the death of John Barnes, he passed away on 19th October 2019.

John Barnes was a much respected ringer. He was an officer of our Society, holding many posts including Master in 1979 and coordinator of our Society peal weekend over many years.

Andy Rider, Rector of Christ Church Spitalfields, writes:

It is with sadness that I learnt of John’s passing, always a regular at the annual Rectory Bellringers Beer, and always ready to explain things to me that I didn’t understand, John was clearly dedicated to ringing and committed to all those he met in the course of ringing bells. A gentleman and a great encourager, I know he will be sadly missed by many and I offer my sympathies and prayers for you all.

Funeral arrangements

There is to be a private family burial at St Martin of Tour, Chelsfield at 12.00 on Thursday November 7th. This will be followed by a Thanksgiving Service at at 12.30 p.m., to which everybody is invited. If you will be attending the Thanksgiving Service, please arrive quietly as the family service will be in progress. You may need to wait in the car park or a side room in the church for a short time until the start of the Thanksgiving Service.

Transport and parking

The local ringers have advised that the church car park is fairly generous but a large number of people are expected to attend the Thanksgiving Service. There is very little roadside parking outside the church or in the village over the other side of the bypass. The local ringers have suggested carsharing or using public transport if at all possible. A bus from Orpington station stops in the village.

Refreshments

Numbers for refreshments after the service are a little restricted. However, the ringers and congregation of St Martin’s will provide light refreshments in the church room after the service for all those that do not go to the wake.