Saturday the 26th of  January at 8am on the dot, Charlie Baker from BBC Radio Berkshire was back in the village featuring more of our community activities broadcast live to the whole of Berkshire.   If you are an avid follower of this web site, you will already know that Charlie came here to cover the Children's nativity play on December the 22nd last year. This time however, it was the turn of the bellringers to take centre stage.

Charlie was broadcasting live from the Tower for the Nicki Whiteman Show, first on air was Marcus who gave a brief outline of bellringing and it's place in history. Tessa then explained about the requirements and myths that are associated with the art.

It transpired that Charlie's father rang bells at his home village in Devon so there was genuinely keen interest from him to actually go into the bell chamber and take a closer look. The second stint on the show was broadcast from here with Marcus giving a very polished, fluent and knowledgeable account of the history of our particular bells, and their Oak frame supports.

Jade and Becky, our new recruits of just three weeks, were then asked why they had decided to take up ringing. After speaking to both, Charlie decided he really ought to have a go himself.   Jade was enlisted as a temporary presenter and Becky took on the roll of second camera, on behalf of Marcus who wanted some shots for his own collection.

Back with Tessa, this time a few words on the shortage of bellringers and information on whom to approach should anyone wish to take up ringing. Tessa also emphasized the fact that you don't have to be a religious person or a regular church goer to ring bells.

With the ever watchful Marcus on hand, our new recruits got their first chance to ring "Rounds" with the full band. Afterwards Marcus commented that they both did really well.

Seen here chatting to David Vince, Charlie clearly enjoyed his visit to the tower.  David has recently moved to Devon but originally hails from Brightwalton. Luckily for us, David was here in Berkshire visiting his family and was able to take on the 6th bell for us.The session closed with Charlie back at his vehicle reviewing the morning papers live on air, with All Saints' bells ringing gloriously in the background. All in all, an excellent and most enjoyable morning.  Many thanks to the East Garston bellringers (Maureen, Tessa, Colin, Rebecca, Jade and Becky), to Marcus, and to David Vince. Thank you also to our churchwarden Sally who put us in touch with BBC Radio Berkshire in the first place.