I became a ringer because I loved the sound of the bells and felt sad when only 5 of the 6 rang when I was 16 years old. Being a ringer not only gives me physical and mental exercise on a regular basis among kind friendly people, but also whenever I am somewhere new, I find a welcome if I visit a belfry on their practice night. I have a friendly place to go. This has meant a great deal at lonely times.

I’ve always been a Marston ringer despite having moved away. At the age of 11 I was fascinated watching the rope vanish into the ceiling. I joined and was hooked. Bellringing has had a huge impact on my life. I have a mental health diagnosis that can make it difficult to ring, but with ringing, and at Marston in particular, I feel amongst friends who truly care, and not just about the bells. We’re like a family. I’ve learnt not only a new skill, but a lot about myself as a person, and my abilities and strength in difficult times.