Scarlett, born 2015 and Constance, born 1915.

Stepney bells rang out again after the service on Sunday 12 April in special celebration of the 100th birthday of Constance. The most senior member of the congregation, the birthday girl is pictured here with Father Chris and Scarlett, on that day aged three weeks – the congregation’s youngest member.

Following long touches of some very lovely called changes, Churchwarden Angela came bounding upstairs bearing ebulient thanks from Constance and her two daughters. We were then invited to partake in birthday cake saved especially for the ringers, which added greatly to our enjoyment of ringing for such a special occasion.

Special thanks go to ringing colleagues Tom,  Juliet, Alastair and Tony who came from St Vedast Foster Lane, joining Elizabeth, Eva, Jennifer, Julian, Kevin and Mark and enabling us to ring all 10 of Stepney’s fine bells. Nothing less would have been appropriate on such an occasion: needless to say it’s not every day a member of our congregation celebrates 100 years of life. It was a very great honour to ring and contribute to the festivities. Many Happy Returns, Connie!