The Bell tower -March 2026

It's wonderful to welcome new bellringers into the Tower and in February we had a number of visitors. As part of Half-term open morning, 9 children and two ladies joined the silent ringing practice and saw the ringers in action. The youngers children chimed a bell and the older ones had a go at ringing the bells. All ably guided by David, our Ringing Master and Amy who joins us from Pateley Bridge. Julie, one of our new ringers wrote this about her ringing journey...

"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] ​