The patron of the Norwich Diocesan Association of Ringers is The Bishop of Norwich. I am assuming that this is by tradition and that the honour passes from one incumbent to another. I have no idea which bishop was the first bishop to hold the position, but I do remember that the last one was our patron and I have a vague memory of ringing with him at the MRDC when it first opened , and I was still at the "please could someone stand close in case I need help…." stage. Therefore, he must have been a Ringing Bishop which I suspect more of them are than let on.
Anyhow, The Bish hosts a regular summer garden party for charities and organisations that he supports. This year I was lucky enough to go along as a representative of the NDAR , together with the President, the Secretary and the Treasurer. I guess that I was the Service User. Lunch was provided in a very hot marquee, in the beautiful garden of The Palace, hard by Norwich cathedral. Guests were free to wander around , admire the vegetables, long borders, pergolas of roses etc and chat with representatives of other local groups. The NDAR and HEAR Norfolk (The Norfolk Deaf Society) ended up sharing a table, which was quite amusing because everyone was looking for points of contact and here was one. Did we wear ear defenders? they enquired.
The Bishop thanked all the voluntary organisations present for their contribution to the people of Norfolk. Individual groups, which are supported by grants from a memorial trust, were invited to say a few words about the work that they do. People who benefit from some of the services spoke, some of them movingly, about how the support of organisations that work with the victims of domestic violence, therapy for cancer sufferers, providing music for kids with disabilities and training and employment for adults with learning difficulties has changed their lives.
The Bishop opens his gardens for various charities over the summer to help them raise funds and awareness within the community. An offer that we should perhaps consider because, if there is one thing that ringers do well, it is lay on tea and cake for hungry guests. Teas, a mini-ring, some handbell demos, a wonderful garden to explore and we could promote ringing, raise funds and even attract some new recruits.
If we are very subtle we may even harvest a few seeds of some interesting plants to fill next year's borders, or is that taking advantage of a kind offer?
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