St Helen’s Church reopened last Sunday for the first service since the lockdown. So today was the second service.

There was social distancing in the bell tower, with 5 bell ringers wearing face masks, and only using five bells. The other bell ringers watched from outside because there was not room inside.

The church opening was organised with covid-19 safe rules in accordance with government and Church of England requirements. There was a separate entrance and exit. Hand sanitiser was used on the way in and out. People sat 2 meters apart. There were 25 people in the congregation (that number could increase in weeks to come). People had pre-booked and left their contact details for track and trace. People were expected to wear face coverings unless there were good reasons not to. Doors were kept open so that there was fresh air blowing in. People could only socialise outside the church. There was organ music but as yet no singing under government Covid-19 church regulations. The service was shorter than usual.

Here is a short video of the five bells heard from the churchyard. Organ music through the open door can also be heard from the churchyard at the end of the service.