Ringing Remembers across Derbyshire
In the First World War, 1,400 bell ringers lost their lives. Those from Derbyshire include:
Private Tom Billingham age 23 from Beighton
Private William John Davies age 22 from Derby
Serjeant Frank Teece Humphries age 21 from Eckington
Lance Corporal Percy Henry Sault age 24 from Chesterfield
Second Lieutenant George Roadley Seneschall age 24 from Long Eaton
Rifleman Benjamin George Sowter age 33 from Wirksworth
Private Hubert William Tarlton age 23 from Ilkeston
Private John Thomas Taylor age unknown from Dore
Private Frederick Travis age 39 from Darley Dale
Private Arthur Whelpton age 27 from Beighton
Ringing Remembers is a nation-wide campaign to recruit 1,400 new bell ringers in their honour to ring in November 2018 for the centenary of the Armistice. Bell towers across Derbyshire are recruiting now.
Although bell towers are typically in churches, you don’t have to go to church. Bell ringing is an inclusive community with people of all faiths and none, and you don’t need to be musical or strong. It is a family-friendly, social activity that is good for you and your local community:
• For all ages (10+), teens and adults. Children and parents/carers can learn together.
• Great all-year round exercise for the mind and body.
• Builds teamwork and leadership skills as part of a friendly team.
• Opportunities to visit new places and try new things.
Recent recruits have said:
“It forces me to go out, exercise my mind and my body and there’s something about being part of a group of people that have a focus and it’s very satisfying to be a part of that. It’s not that hard to learn – the more you practise the easier it gets, but personally I find it very enjoyable and I look forward to coming to practise.” – an adult bell ringer.
“Bell ringing has helped me with my shyness – I’ve had to conduct and shout at people I don’t know so it’s taught me to speak up a bit. It’s helped me build my teamwork skills too when I’m doing complicated patterns. I want to try and carry it on because it’s a fun thing to do. People are nice and everyone is involved with what’s going on.” – a teenage bell ringer.
Would you like to come along and play a part in it?
To get involved visit a100.cccbr.org.uk
Find us on Facebook: BellRingingDerbyshire
Susan Hall
