Teddy Bear Zip Wire 2014

We would like to thank everyone who came along to this year's Teddy Bear Zip Wire at All Saints Church. Despite the awful weather conditions a great day was had by all. The afternoon started with a special visit for the BBC Radio Norfolk's Treasure Quest team who came to find the treasure which was a special bear name "treasure Bear".

This year me made a record £372. This money will be split between the Bell Ringers to help maintain the bells of All Saints and the PCC for the restoration of All Saints Church.

Teddy Bear Zip Wire 2013

June saw the return of our ever popular  Teddy Bear Zip Wire. Sadly the weather wasn't as kind as it had been to us in previous years, however we still had plenty of brave bears come along with their families. The zip wire had to this year take up its second residence inside the church as it was far to windy to send the teddy bears (as well as Lee and Mark) to the tower roof. We made an impressive £300 considering the awful weather we had on the day.
Thanks you need to be said to everyone who came along and supported the day making it the fantastic success it is. A big thank you also to all those who gave up their time to help run stalls, games and refreshments. We wouldn't be able to do it without you. Click here to see the photos

The Day of Two Zip Wires

The Ringers' annual Teddy Bear Zip Wire took an unusual twist this year when the weather took a turn for the worse! The afternoon started off in beautiful sunshine with the Zip Wire taking its usual place from the top of All Saints Church Tower to the tree beside the West Gate. Many of the stalls were dotted around the grounds with refreshments and cakes being held in the church. We were also delighted to welcome the Firemen from Dereham Station, who allowed children (and adults) the chance to look around one of their Fire Appliances. There was as usual a wide variety of games and stalls around the church with one, the bean bag game, becoming very competitive between families and friends!
During this time our two brave volunteers up the tower, Darren Hall and Lee Fox, had noticed that there were some rather dark clouds starting to surround the village! At 3pm a huge flash of lightening grabbed the attention of everyone outside and so started the ad dash to get everything inside the church, take down the zip wire and get everyone off the roof before the storm hit (no mean feat!). After only ten minutes and with help from members of the public the zip wire was reborn inside All Saints Church! It now ran from the trap door of the ringing chamber to the pews below. The biggest cheer of the day went up after the first brave bear took a test run on the new styled wire!
The first prize of the raffle was won by David Stone. Lauren Cooke correctly guessed the name of the teddy for a second year (Henrik) and Anne Boston had the highest score on the Bean Bag Game.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the event and helped to raised £253.87.

Teddy Afternoon Fun

The All Saints Swanton Morley Bell Ringers held their 3rd Annual Teddy Bear Zip Wire Afternoon at Swanton Morley Church on Sunday 31st July. Many families turned out to take part in this increasingly popular event. It is estimated that over 300 people attended the three hour event which included in many competitions and games in addition to the terrifying teddy bear zip wire from the top of the 100ft tower.

Countless excited children (and adults) watched as their precious teddy bears took the “express” trug lift up the front of the mighty bell tower before taking the exhilarating ride back to the waiting hug of their owners. It was brilliant to see so many families having such a good time, many staying most of the afternoon talking to other parents and families.

Many families searched the church and churchyard for hidden teddy bears to create the mystery word, with the eventual winner being Elizabeth from Swanton Morley winning a teddy bear. Zoe Gatt also won a teddy bear after impressing  the judges with her design for a teddy bear. Lauren Cooke correctly named guessed the name of the Teddy Bear and won “Lenny”. In addition to the games and competitions, three troops from Robertson Barracks brought a Spartan transporter to allow members of the public the chance to look inside a military vehicle with many parents saying their children wouldn't let them proceed to the other stalls without first taking a look inside!

The event raised £288, a record total, which will be put towards the Swanton Morley Bell Fund which keeps the bells of All Saints Church ringing. The current project is to start replacing some of the bell ropes which are starting to show signs of wear as well as correcting some of the problem with the striking of the bells.

Photos coming soon

The Big Sky Dive

Two brave ringers today took part in a sponsored sky dive to raise funds for both the Friends of All Saints Church and the All Saint Swanton Morley Bell Ringers.
Aaron Hall and Fiona Joisce both said they would take part in this leap of faith all in the name of charity, so on Saturday they join over a hundred other people who were all raising funds for the charities of their choice.

Both agreed it was an experience which they will never forget. You can read Aaron's article by clicking here

Tower Open Day

The ringers of All Saints once again threw open the doors of the tower to allow members of the public the chance to see the bells of All Saints as well as seeing what ringing is all about.

Tours were conducted through out the day by Tower Captain Aaron Hall, who gave a brief history on the bells of All Saints before the ringers gave a brief demonstration. Sadly there were only five ringers available to ring on the day, but the visitors were impressed all the same.

Lots went on in the church below including a well stock books stall, a raffle, refreshment and a tombola.

In the end the ringers raised an impressive £154.69 which will be used to keep the bells of All Saints well maintained. 

Tower Open Day 2008

We held our first Tower Open Day which was a huge success. We raised a massive £291.65, which shall be put towards the maintenance of the bells which we carry out.
The main attraction of the day was our tower tours which allowed visitors to take a look at the ringing chamber and bell chamber and watch the bell ringers in action. We also had lots of games and competitions.
We have decided to hold these Open Days every other year, so 2010 will be our next open day which is also the 10th anniversary of the bells being augmented to a six.