All Saints Westbury Bell Ringers are holding a special long length composition to commemorate a Westbury bell ringer who died in World War One.
Herbert Frederick “Fred” Kerley, who was a bell ringer at All Saints Chuch, died on 26th August 1914 at the battle of Mons aged 34.
Chris Jenkins from All Saints Westbury Bell Ringers explains, “Normally a quarter peal is 1,260 changes but we will be extending this to 1,914 changes, one hundred years to the day after Fred’s death in 1914.”
Fred’s grandson, Barry Kerley said, “After he got married he was a gardener for a vicar in Stratford-sub-Castle, Salisbury. When the vicar moved to Westbury, Fred came with him and lived with his family in the little cottage in the churchyard. He’s the only Westbury bell ringer to die in World War One and I’m really pleased they are holding this commemoration for him.”
The event will be at 6pm on Tuesday 26th August at All Saints Church, Westbury.
Fred’s Great Granddaughter, Westbury artist Helen Chester, has painted a portrait to commemorate his life. She said, “I became fascinated in incorporating portraits into my work after finding a photograph of my Great Grandfather and seeing his memorial in the tower of All Saints Church in Westbury where he was a bell ringer.
“I realised the devastation that was caused to his young wife and baby son (my grandfather) when he was killed, and how the only record of his life was a sepia photograph, a cigarette case and a carving on a wall.”
If you have a photograph of someone that fought in the First World War and are happy for the picture to become the subject of a portrait please contact Helen on 01373 825041 or 07974 349 198. Alternatively email helen-chesterarts@hotmail.co.uk
