​I would like to add my thanks to Juliet, Simon and Gabriel for all their support for Sharow Bells and wish them well on their next adventure.
On 9th May, Sharow Bellringers hosted the 150th Anniversary Dinner on behalf of the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers. St John's looked resplendent with the tables set, and the food was superb. The event raised £1,700 for the bell fund which was a wonderful result. Wood also made a cake, which was dressed with the anniversary logo. Well done everyone for making it such a fantastic day.

​Ascension Day was marked by bells being rung and Wood playing his trumpet from the roof of the tower. Really quite remarkable.
17th May was Bell Sunday, which we celebrated by ringing the bells, prayers and flowers. Many thanks to Rev David,  Wood and Denise who made the service so special.

From 12 noon till 12.30pm, on Wednesday 17th June, the bells will be rung for all to hear.  The tower will be tested by the civil engineers to see how much it sways. There will be three measurements. One when the tower is at rest, when we aren't ringing. One when we are ringing all 8 bells, with no silencing, so the clappers and the bells all swing. And a final time after we have stopped ringing. The findings will be used as part of our application for Faculty Approval for the project works, both inside and outside the tower. An important consideration as the stonework of the tower is currently in very poor condition.

Half term saw both Gregory and Izzy joining our Silent Wednesday practice. Both young people are making great progress. David and Wood also continue to teach us all, on Mondays and Wednesdays, to improve our striking and learning to ring different methods and call changes.
My next fundraising Wild Swim for the bells will be on Saturday 6th June in the River Great Ouse near St Ives Cambridge. If you'd like to support the bell project or learn more about bellringing, please get in touch. Bridget Taylor-Connor 
Tower Correspondent 
07752981346 
​[email protected] 
Give to St John's Bells - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/appealforapeal
Sharow Bellringers on Facebook - https://rb.gy/44gwkk  

Almighty God, the giver of all gifts, without whom we can achieve nothing, prosper, we pray, the work of Sharow Bellringers; increase their skill, and grant them the grace to save you faithfully, in the performance of their art: for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Poems That Echo with the Sound of Bells
Poems about bell ringing capture the enchanting sound of bells in various ways, reflecting on their emotional significance and sensory experience. 

From the joyous pealing of wedding bells to the solemn tolling of funeral bells, poets have explored the multifaceted nature of bell sounds in their work. Whether celebrating or reflecting on life's milestones, bell poetry has been a popular theme among poets for centuries. The ringing of bells has long been associated with various emotions and meanings. In poems on bells, poets often explore the symbolic significance of bells, as well as the sensory experience of hearing their melodious tones.

Below are a few examples of poems that capture the essence of bells in different ways.
"The Bells" by Edgar Allan Poe: This poem explores the different moods and meanings associated with bells, from the joyful jingling of sleigh bells to the mournful tolling of funeral bells, illustrating their impact on human experience. The poem is structured in four parts, each focusing on a different type of bell and its associated feelings. "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by John Donne: A famous poem that reflects on the interconnectedness of humanity, emphasizing the tolling of the funeral bell as a reminder of our mortality. "The Bells of San Blas" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: This poignant poem captures the beauty and melancholy of bells, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing.

The Church-Bell by Elinor Wylie: a poignant poem that captures the essence of church bells and their impact on the human spirit. The poem begins with the bell ringing, drawing attention to the clapper's song and the bell's call to the people. It is a reflection on the bell's role in summoning the congregation to prayer and the solemnity of the church bells. The poem is a reminder of the spiritual significance of the church bells and their ability to evoke memories and emotions. 
These poems not only celebrate the melody of bells but also delve into the deeper meanings and emotions they evoke, making bell poetry a rich and enduring subject in the world of literature.

Do let me know which poem you like best.

As always details of when we're ringing the bells are displayed on the church notice boards and on the website.
Bridget Taylor-Connor 
Tower Correspondent 07752981346 [email protected] 
Give to St John's Bells - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/appealforapeal
Sharow Bellringers on Facebook - https://rb.gy/44gwkk

"I initially attend the learners bellringing meeting, at Mirfield Parish church West Yorkshire in 2024. The team comprised of four learners, and a bell caption.Unfortunately, the bell captain left the parish, therefore we transferred to Kirkheaton, St John the Baptist, in March 2025. The practices were both challenging and rewarding. There was a great sense of support and community cohesion. I found the lessons therapeutic and enhanced personal well being.
 
Due to family commitment both my husband and I moved to Ripon North Yorkshire in November 2025. Where I received positive feedback from staff at Ripon Cathedral about the bellringing classes at St John's in Sharow North Yorkshire.
I contacted the bell captain and was welcomed by all the ringers in February 2026. The tutorials are group based and more positively on a 'one to one' by the bell captain. Therefore, initiating advice and enhancing skills. The tutorials are extremely inclusive and supportive. St John's is a very friendly but vibrant environment. Where bellringing is embraced not only by Sharow, bur surrounding communities."


It's great the know Sharow is a supporting and welcoming place to learn to ring.

I undertook my first 2026 fundraising Wild Swim on 19th February. This time in Gloucestershire, joining my sister-in-law in her friend swimming in a local lake. Much calmer than the abandoned New Year's day swim in Redcar. Looking ahead to March, on Friday 13th, hopefully not inauspicious, we're meeting Ian the church architect and Simon the bell specialist, to finalise plans for moving the bells. All very exciting. On 28th St John's is hosting a Quarter Peal Event to celebrate Tracey's 40th birthday. Tracey is an experienced Ripon Cathedral ringer who is very active in supporting our band. A number of churches will be involved, including ringing on our simulator. The last Quater Peal of the day from 4.30pm to 5.30pm will be ringing out from St John's in celebration.
There are two funerals in March at which the tenor bell will be rung as the coffin enters the churchyard. It is a privilege and honour to be able to ring the bell.
To see all the ringing times, please look at the notices in and outside church and on the church website. You're always welcome to join us during a practice.
For more information or to make a donation please get in touch.
Best wishes Bridget Taylor-Connor Tower Correspondent 07752981346 [email protected] ​

As the rain tips down outside, I'm thinking about the good things that are happening in the belltower. It was a delight on Sunday 25th January, to present Izzy with her Sharow Bellringers hoodie, and her certificate and badge for the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers. On Friday David, Wood and I will be going into Sharow School to present Izzy with her Level 1 Bell Handling certificate. Izzy started ringing in April 2025. Her dedication and determination to turn up to practice every Monday evening has been very impressive. She is now able to ring rounds with other ringers and is moving onto call changes. No mean feat. We are very proud of Izzy's achievement. She is a delight to have in the tower.
Philippa, who has been learning since December, is also making great progress and will soon be controlling the bell without assistance. We are very lucy that we have David, as Ringing Master, and Wood, as Tower Captain, who are excellent teachers, both for new ringers and those of us who are improving our ringing skills.
 
On the fundraising front, Wood and Rachel's marmalade is available in church, for sale in aid of the bell fund. We're also very grateful to the Schofield family, who have offered to fund the tenor bell in memory of Wood's parents. At a recent meeting of the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Branch of the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers, we learnt we are to receive a grant of £750. All very welcome additions to the bells fund.
 
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of all concerned, we now have enough funding to instruct the church architect and structural engineer to produce working drawings for the bells project. Great News. These drawings will go towards our application for Faculty approval from the DAC, the governing body that gives permission for churches to carry out major works. It's the equivalent to applying for planning permission. Once we have Faculty approval, I can apply for grants to undertake the works. It's rather a long winded process, but all very exciting.
 
Together with Revd David and Sharow PCC, we have been working on an "Agreed Pattern of Ringing". This was ratified by the PCC on Monday 26th January. It has been agreed that the bells will be rung on Sunday for call to church; Monday from 6.30pm till 8.30pm for practice night and one other time during the month. All other ringing will be undertaken with the simulator. The full wording will be displayed in church on the bells notice board and on St John's Website.
 
To find out when the bells are being rung during February, please see the notices inside and outside church and on the website. A high light for February Half-Term is an Open morning on Wednesday 18th.  All are welcome, especially children. Come and climb the tower steps; see the bells in the belfry; have a go at chiming and watch the bells being rung. Expert tuition will be provided.
 
As ever, please get in touch if you like to support Sharow Bells Restoration or learn more about the bells. Children will be especially welcome on Wednesday morning during half-term.

- Bridget Taylor-Connor
Tower Correspondent
Give to St Johns Bells

December has been a month of joy and sorrow in the bell tower. It was a privilege on 22nd December to ring half muffled bells for Lesley's funeral. Lesley was a great supporter of the bells and Tony has worked tirelessly in the bell tower and as a link with the Diocesan DAC over the bells restoration. 
At the end of November, we held a very successful Gala Dinner for the bell fund, which raised over £3,000. Many thanks to everyone who made the event such a success. On the night we launched our new Sharow Bellringers leaflet, which incorporates our new logo. Many thanks to Katerina for her amazing design skills and vision. If you're yet to see a leaflet, they are available at the back of church. 
One of the Silent Auction prizes at the dinner, was an introduction to bellringing and we were very pleased to welcome Phillipa Dallas who is now learning to ring. We've also been joined by Tony Priest from Ripon Cathedral, who is coming to our Wednesday morning Silent Practice. It has been a great joy to ring the bells before Sunday Service and especially for the Nativity on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. I've recently come across a carol "I heard the bells" which I thought was rather wonderful and I'd like to share with you.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat,
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the days had come,
The belfries of all Christendom,
Had rolled along
Th' unbroken Song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing, on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Words by Longfellow 

Continuing my Wild Swimming Challenge, I took a Boxing Day Dip in aid of the bell fund. My next swim will be on New Years Day, when I'll be returning to Saltburn-by-the-Sea and testing out my new water temperature testing duck! Pictures to follow!
As we approach 2026, Sharow Bellringers are working with Rev' David and Sharow PCC to draw up a normal accepted pattern of ringing. For dates when we will be ringing, please see the notices on the boards inside and outside church, and on St John's website. To give to St John's Bells Restoration or to follow our activities please use these links- https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/appealforapealSharow Bellringers on Facebook - https://rb.gy/44gwkk 
Instagram #sharowbellringers



If you'd like any information about the bells or you'd like to see what we get up to in the bell tower, please get in touch.
Best wishes Bridget Taylor-Connor Tower Correspondent 07752981346  ​