This time of year is often a perfect time to take up a new interest or hobby and one you may not have considered is bell ringing.

An appeal in a local parish magazine has highlighted this skilful, sociable and enjoyable pastime.

Many of the towers in local churches are looking for new members, these include Aston Ingham, Linton, Weston under Penyard and Upton Bishop.

Mike Williams who helps teach new ringers, told the Ross Gazette that the days are long gone when bell ringers all lived near to the church and also attended services regularly.

He said: “Many of the people I know through bell ringing are agnostic or atheist, or there are those who attend services occasionally.” He said his own daughter is a pagan but still takes part in bell ringing. It is different to how it was at the turn of the last century, more people travel and have different demands on their time.

Mike would love to hear from anyone who would like to have a go.

He said that you don’t need to be strong, although stamina is important, anyone from the age of around ten years old and upward with a reasonable level of fitness is welcome to have a go He said: “I try to never turn anyone down. I build up their confidence because it is a skill which has to be learnt.” It does take a bit of time to learn the strokes.

As well as ringing for Sunday services the bell ringers attend weddings, Christmas and Easter services, and other special community events. Mike was with five different churches when the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1 was marked by the ringing of bells.

He added that it is sociable and he wants people to enjoy themselves, sometimes there are district ringing events they can take part in.

Mike added that his goal is to build a Benefice band which could provide a pool of bell ringers to attend different towers.

He has been a bell ringer from the age of ten, so has spent almost 50 years building his skill and now he really wants to encourage new people to come forward. Try it it is an enjoyable sociable hobby, and it is also physical and can help with back problems too. So what have you got to lose. Contact Mike Williams on 01989 750873 if you are interested in learning this traditional craft. He can put you in touch with your nearest tower.