Bell ringers take to the skies
Seven bell ringers from Kinver are to make a 24-hour flying trip around the United Kingdom, performing in churches in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Seven bell ringers from Kinver are to make a 24-hour flying trip around the United Kingdom, performing in churches in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The stunt, organised by ringers from St Peter's Church, is thought to be the first of its kind ever attempted and will raise cash for charity. Group treasurer Brian Bush said members came up with the idea after Mo Awkati, husband of secretary Diane Awkati, passed his pilot's licence with flying colours and can now act as transporter. Mr Awkati will now fly a seven-seater plane from Bobbington to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales on September 4. The bell-ringers will fly first to Glasgow before travelling eight miles to Paisley to perform a 45-minute bell-ringing service there. They will then fly on to Belfast for another 45-minute service and on again to North Wales, before pilot Mr Awkati heads back for home to complete the journey with a bell-ringing service at St Peter's in Church Hill, Kinver. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
The stunt, organised by ringers from St Peter's Church, is thought to be the first of its kind ever attempted and will raise cash for charity. Group treasurer Brian Bush said members came up with the idea after Mo Awkati, husband of secretary Diane Awkati, passed his pilot's licence with flying colours and can now act as transporter.
Mr Awkati will now fly a seven-seater plane from Bobbington to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales on September 4.
The bell-ringers will fly first to Glasgow before travelling eight miles to Paisley to perform a 45-minute bell-ringing service there.
They will then fly on to Belfast for another 45-minute service and on again to North Wales, before pilot Mr Awkati heads back for home to complete the journey with a bell-ringing service at St Peter's in Church Hill, Kinver.
The group have started gathering sponsorship for the trip and have pledged to share funds between Stourbridge-based Mary Stevens Hospice and the County Air Ambulance.
Mr Bush said himself and the other six members - Diane Awkati, bell tower captain Nick Stanbury, Steve Hagley, Chris Pickford, John Lawley and Andy Gray - were all very much looking forward to the trip.
He said: "We got the idea after Mo passed his pilot's licence and I don't think this has ever been done by anyone else.
"If we can raise a fair bit of cash for charity at the same time, then all the better."
The group ring bells at the church for Sunday morning services and also during weddings, funerals and other special services.
They also practise most Wednesday nights at Wollaston church. Call Mr Bush on 01384 372376.
