News from the Bell tower January 2026

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  ​