Resident poet and ringer at St Mary’s, Bridport, Brenda Dunn, passed away in her sleep on Saturday 6th November, having suffered a heart attack a week previously.
Brenda had been a ringer at Bridport for over 50 years and was the first woman to be a ringer in the tower. Well known for her poetry, writing many a poem for their ringers’ dinners and other notable events. Many of her poems were published in the Guild Newsletter (Face to Face) and indeed one about a striking competition was republished here quite recently.
Despite her heart attack, Brenda managed to finish off a final poem which was read to St Mary’s Christmas gathering by her daughter.
We’re sorry that we can’t be there
To dine with you tonight
We miss you all (but not the stairs)
To Ring was our delight
You did so well to raise the cash
To renovate the bells
With open days, a concert bash
And jumble sales as well
So keep on ringing every week
And hang out all the bunting
We love to hear the bells so sweet
Whittingtons, Queens and Plain Hunting
