I used to do bell ringing in Benenden church. It was really good fun, actually. My best friend's dad was the local vicar, and so it was expected as her best friend that I would go to church every Sunday with her.

In this quote, Jo Brand reflects on her experience of bell ringing at Benenden church. She mentions that it was "really good fun," which highlights the enjoyment she found in this activity. Bell ringing is often a communal and somewhat traditional practice, and her positive memories suggest that, despite the religious setting, she found the experience enjoyable and engaging.

Brand also shares that her involvement in the church was partly due to her close friendship with her best friend, whose dad was the local vicar. This connection made it a social expectation for Brand to attend church regularly, as she was considered a part of her friend's circle. The quote emphasizes the influence of friendship and the expectations that can arise from being closely tied to someone in a small community, where social roles are often linked to family connections.

The idea that it was "expected" for Brand to attend church every Sunday reflects the social norms and pressures of growing up in a community where religious activities were central to social life. Brand’s comment shows how certain traditions or activities are shaped by the dynamics of community and familial relationships, even if they don’t always align with personal beliefs or desires.

Originating from Brand’s childhood in a small town, the quote highlights the impact of community and family relationships on her formative years. Known for her humor and candidness, Brand often reflects on these experiences with a mix of nostalgia and irony. Her lighthearted recollection of bell ringing in church, while acknowledging the social expectations, provides insight into how friendship and community shaped her upbringing.