A year of celebration is being planned in Braintree for 1999 to mark the 800th anniversary of the town's charter and St Michael's Church.

Events will be held throughout the year to celebrate the granting of the market charter by King John in 1199 and the beginning of worship at St Michael's.

Organisers are hoping for a royal visit in June, with the Archbishop of Canterbury as guest of honour at a civic service.

Councillor Barbara Buchan, chairman of the charter working group, said: "There are going to be some spectacular things, and no one will able to miss what is going on.

"The awarding of the market charter was the real birth of the town."

The Braintree 800 celebrations will get under way when the bells of St Michael's ring in 1999 with a specially composed method called Braintree Delight Royal.

Bellringers will attempt the three-hour piece at 2pm on New Year's Day.

David Childs, master of St Michael's Guild of Ringers, has been bellringing for 25 years and will lead the new year peal. "We are delighted to be involved in the celebrations," he said. "Ten people from across the county will be taking part."

The Rev Canon Bernard Davies said: "St Michael's Church is a lively, caring and welcoming church with many followers. It has been a central part of Braintree's community life for 800 years."

Other highlights during the year include a medieval carnival, an academic John Ray conference in March, and a re-enactment of the charter presentation with visitors from Braintree, Massachusetts.

Schoolchildren will be taking part through a series of events called SoundNation and millennium competitions to be launched by Braintree District Museum and the library in the autumn.

Bellringer David Childs in St Michael's Church.

Picture: MARK LEES

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