The occasion for this celebration was to give thanks for the life of Sir Arthur Percival Heywood who died on this day 100 years ago.

Sir Arthur was an engineer, well known with railway enthusiasts for developing his 15inch gauge railway.  He also had a keen interest in Church Bells and founded the Central Council of Church Bellringers.

Sir Arthur's father, Sir Thomas Percival Heywood, built the church, which was designed by George Edmund Street, an eminent Victorian architect, in 1862, and today’s service was attended by Sir Peter and Lady Heywood together with other members of the family.  Railway enthusiasts and bell ringers also attended to pay tribute to Sir Arthur and to give thanks for his life.

After the church service a short commemoration was held around the graveside, after which a short demonstration of rounds and call changes on 8 bells was performed by the Alton Handbell Ringers.  The afternoon concluded with a peal of three Minimus methods rung on the church bells on behalf of The Central Council of Church Bellringers.

Text by Sue Robins 19.04.16

Photo by Alan Bettany 19.04.16