[RWCentenary] A Right Royal Day Following the Sun

[RW Centenary News]

There are now only around 100 Maximus tickets 
left for Centenary Day – so you will need to be 
quick if you want one! Royal tickets are still in 
plentiful supply, and these  will give you access 
to all of the day’s events except the Central 
Hall, Westminster reception. Our correspondent 
below has bought a Royal ticket and here are his 
thoughts about how he might spend his day in London...


"A friend asked whether I was going down to 
London for the RW Centenary Day and after 
confirming that I was, they then asked what was I 
going to do. That question made me think “Well, 
what will I do?” and, looking at the programme of 
events which I could join armed with my Royal 
ticket. I gave it some thought. Being a simple 
person I thought why not just follow the Sun 
going from East to West, so my plan began to take shape.

"First I would go to Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 
E1; always good to see what’s happening in the 
UK’s oldest manufacturing company – might take a 
look at Brick Lane on the way. Then it’s on to 
the City of London; haven't rung on the new bells 
at St Magnus yet, looking forward to that. There 
are, of course, some 60 towers going to be open 
around Greater London, so might fit some more in 
later. Whilst I'm in the City I could join one of 
the City walks; always fancied seeing the 
interiors of some of those glorious churches 
which, because they have no bells, we tend to 
ignore. Lots of history and I understand the 
tower of St Dunstan-in-the-West will be open, 
this is the Church where William Tyndale and John 
Donne preached and where Izaac Walton was a sidesman.

"A quick trip now across to Pimlico to hear some 
of the Youth Striking Competition, interesting to 
hear how the latest generation are performing – 
probably better than me! Should be able to get a 
bite of lunch in the hall and see the exhibition 
whilst I am about it. Big question now, do I hop 
on the Victoria Line to Bond Street for the 
Carillon recital or the 24 bus to Trafalgar 
Square for the Art Exhibition at the Royal Opera 
House Gallery in nearby Pall Mall?

"Anyway definitely going to the Westminster Abbey 
service and might just have time to have a peak 
round before the start – would cost a bomb if I 
didn't have this ticket. After the service it’s a 
“no-brainer” – straight into Dean’s Yard for a 
quick go on the mini-rings and then a quenching 
pint in the Taylor beer tent. Listen to the Abbey 
bells perhaps as well, unless I'm really lucky in the draw to ring – doubt it!

"Well nearly the end of the afternoon but still 
the musical handbell concert in St Margaret’s to 
go: should be good. Then it’s off home, perhaps 
calling at some hostelry before the train, glad 
I'm not driving. Yes. On reflection I know what 
I'm going to do and it sounds a right Royal day!
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