We were sorry to hear of the death of Shirley Batey. She loved the bells and still loved to listen to them when, through ill health, she could no longer ring with us. She was well loved and will be missed by us all.

Following a private interment, there was a service of celebration of Shirley's life at 11:00 on Thursday 1st. May 2008. The bells were rung before the service and rang unmuffled at the request of the family. Shirley made it known that we shouldn't ring half-muffled for her when she died. The family were able to listen to the bells as they made their way from the cemetery at Hensingham down to St John's church for the service of thanksgiving. Shirley's son in law Rob took a major part in the service, telling us of Shirley's life and giving us all a smile as we remembered her.

Thank you to the ringers. Emily (who rang Shirley's bell ,#4), Geoff, Alison, Ken, Mark, Gillian, Tim and Gordon. Also to Eleanor, Dave, and June who also were available to ring.