In June 2014 during the ‘Offenham Village Wake’ (in Worcestershire) my husband and I wandered into the local church having seen signs that the bell tower was open (a ground floor ring of six). We met with the Tower Captain, Claire Penny, and before I knew it I was on the end of a bell rope!

Under Claire’s guidance I rang up the treble. My bell ringing journey under the Learning the Ropes scheme had begun.

One-to-one tuition from Claire, practice nights at Offenham, Pebworth, and Evesham Bell Tower working for Levels 1 and 2 followed and then, in October 2015, I received my Level 3 certificate.

Now to learn a method and ring inside! I attended the Hereford Ringing Course to learn Plain Bob Doubles. Opportunities to ring inside at my home tower were limited as we had lost several experienced ringers. However, with the help and advice of experienced ringers from local towers and the Four Shires Guild, and buckets of support from my husband, I rang a Plain Bob Doubles Quarter Peal on 28 October, the last piece of work I needed to achieve Level 4.

Offenham Church – photograph by Dave Bushell

It took almost 12 months to rise from Level 3 to Level 4. At times it was very frustrating as I thought I should be progressing quicker, and at other times extremely rewarding with a huge sense of achievement and praise from my more experienced ringing fellows, which meant a lot. I am proud of my achievement.

I am now working towards Level 5. On 9 December I rang treble to a Quarter Peal of Plain Bob Minor, and can call a simple touch of Plain Bob Doubles. I am currently working on learning to ring Plain Bob Minor inside. I am also learning St Simons and St Martins Doubles with a view to
ringing a Quarter Peal of Mixed Doubles. My aim is to achieve Level 5 by the end of this year.

This article appeared originally in Tower Talk – the magazine for ringers, by ringers. To download an edition, or subscribe for future ones by email, please click here!