In the second half of the 1950s, I attended Girl Guide meetings on Thursday evenings at the local church with my cousin. As soon as the meeting was over, we ran round to the belfry and up the stairs to be met by a friend who taught us to ring. Eventually we achieved Bob Major, and as well as ringing before services, we occasionally rang for weddings and funerals. I think some of our favourite times were ringing for Christmas and New Year.

This all took place in Southport. In the 1960s I moved away and eventually settled in Bury St Edmunds. Fifty years later, not having done any ringing, I am once again ringing bells, this time in Bardwell along with a friend who has had no previous experience. I hasten to add, I do not run up the stairs any more, but breathe a sigh of relief when I reach the ringing chamber!

I found that I could still ring a bell after all those years of absence, but my technique needed some refining and there is a lot more to learn – quite a challenge! I have met some very friendly and supportive people, and we occasionally reward ourselves with chocolate!!

Bardwell Church.