BellBoard

Congratulations to George (6) and Bianca on their engagement on Christmas Day

First on eight - 1

For the New Year

Maintaining the tradition of half-muffled ringing before midnight followed by open ringing to welcome the New Year

Rung to congratulate Prof Simon Pearson, brother of the conductor, ringer and PCC secretary of this church, on being awarded an MBE in the New Years honours list for service to agricultural innovation and education

Birthday compliment to 3 and 6.

In memory of Jennifer Sheldon, long time member of the village community.

Prior to her funeral.

First Quarter Peal - 6

First in method - 5

First on 10: 3

First peal in new method:

-1234---14-12-1234-34,12

Rung and named to congratulate Mark's wife, Linda, on her recent retirement!

First in method: 2

Circled tower - 1.

Rung in thanksgiving for the life of Richard Hall, a regular ringer at this tower before taking on the role of tower captain at Scotter, after leading the installation of a new ring of bells there in 1984.

In memory of Renee Good. R.I.P

First in method: 2 👏👏✨

Rung prior to evensong and in memory of John Beadman of Braunston

For Bicker Plough Service

Remembering John R Ketteringham MBE on the 10th anniversary of his death. John rang 1050 peals, of which 314 included members of today's band. He is particularly remembered for his research and record of Lincolnshire bells and ringers.

First peal in the method:

-38-1456-12-16-34-18-56-34-78 le12 d

First quarter in new principle:

3.3.3.1.3.123.3.3.1.3.1.3,1

Rung prior to the funeral of Richard H Hall, former tower captain of Scotter.

All Scotter ringers and friends wish to be associated with this quarter

200th peal together on n-1,n 7,8

Celebrating the birthday of the dentist, Horace Wells, who set a very noble example for those who followed him.

Horace Wells (January 21, 1815 – January 24, 1848) was an American dentist who pioneered the use of anesthesia in medicine, specifically the use of nitrous oxide (or laughing gas). Although he was urged to patent his discovery, he never did, believing that freedom from pain should be "as free as the air we breathe."

First in method for all

First Grandsire Doubles inside: 2

Rung to start a celebration year marking 20 years since the installation of the bells.

1st minor inside: 3

Rung for the Service of Welcome, and the Collation of The Venerable Eleanor Robertshaw as Archdeacon of Stow and Lindsey.

The ringers represented the following churches:

Holy Trinity Church, Messingham (1 & 8)

St. Peter's Church, Scotter (2 & 4)

St. Mary's Church, Stow (3)

All Saints' Church, Gainsborough (5, 6 & 7)

Most methods - 3

Last ringing on the bells prior to extensive repair work to tower and tower roof

First in method for all the band.

In memory Alex Pretti, of Minneapolis

Ringing before a Service of Remembrance for 17 parishioners drowned on the stormy night of 31st January/1st February 1953. The North Sea broke through defences, flooding up to two miles inland. The tower clock is a parish memorial to those who died.

First inside at first attempt - 4

First peal in new method:

-1234-12-14.12.14-34-34,12

On Freedom's Wings TP Minimus

In memory of Laurence Goff.

"It was with enormous sadness that the BCGT team learnt of the passing of Laurence Goff.

Laurence was a very special person whose passion & enthusiasm for fundraising made a huge difference to many projects. “On Freedom's Wings” & the BCGT have been incredibly grateful to be a recipient of such fundraising drive & energy.

After meeting the BCGT team at Newark Cock Pit Fest, in 2023 Laurence mentioned that he would “raise funds” to help get "On Freedoms Wings" in the air.

Over the last three years, Laurence has given enormous amounts of time, his flags flying brightly, on his stall in Newark Market Place. The framed print of "On Freedoms Wings", proudly taking center stage.

Laurence was hugely dedicated towards the “On Freedom's Wings” project and in true style took to the skies raising over £1600, jumping out of plane in a tandem skydive.

Laurence had been responsible for raising an incredible over £22,000 for the Trust, a truly remarkable feat by one man.

In September last year, the “On Freedom's Wings” sculpture was lifted into the air after nearly 8 years in the making. Laurence was there over that weekend to help lend his support in body heart & soul.

We will all miss the bright light that was Laurence, but know that a little piece of his soul will forever fly high above Lincolnshire in a sculpture he loved.

Thank you Laurence.

Our deepest condolences go to Laurence's family & friends at this sad time.

The Trustees & Ambassadors of the Bomber County Gateway Trust"

1st on 8 - 1 and 8.

Rung half muffled in memory of George West, a former ringer at Stow who died on 2/2 aged 82.

Also in memory of the conductors father in law, Roger Judd, whose funeral is here tomorrow.

First treble bob - 1

Rung to wish Matthew all the best as he leaves Lincolnshire, heading for Sheffield.

First peal in the method:

-38-1456-56-38-34-3458-16.78 le12 b

First quarter in new method:

3.3.3.1.3.3.1.3.3.1,1

Celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Edison, inventor of the Phonograph.

First in method for all

First Surprise Royal as conductor.

1st quarter peal: 6

First peal in new method:

34.1234.34.14.34.14-1234-34-14,14

Rung and named to celebrate Singles Awareness Day, a National Holiday dedicated to raising the profile of 3 Bell Ringing. The method lovingly formulated to mimic Singles within Minimus.

300th peal-1

With best wishes to Jane Aked on her Birthday today.

1st in method for all. Wouldn't like to ring a qtr of it. 🫣

First quarter in new method:

---14-1234-34,12

For Ash Wednesday

Rung by the local practice night band in memory of Margaret Parker MBE. Margaret was Tower Captain at Nettleham and worked tirelessly for many years supporting the Lincoln Guild

In memory of Margaret Parker MBE formerly of Nettleham, Lincolnshire long time member of the Lincoln Guild.

First Quarter in method: -34-14.12.34-34,12

First quarter in new method:

7.1.125.123.7.345.7,127

Rung and named in memory of Margaret Parker.

"Known throughout the Guild she held posts at both branch and guild level, and was tower captain at Nettleham for 37 years until she retired in 2017.

In addition she was a member of the Royal Cumberlands. She was awarded the MBE in 1995 for services to bellringing and elected an Honorary Life Member of the Guild in 2004."

First in variations for 1,3,4 and 5

Rang as a belated 25th Birthday compliment to (3)

Also associated with the quarter Peter S Abbott who is recuperating in France

Remembering Margaret Parker MBE who died on the 18th February.

She rang 33 peals in this tower.

Rang prior to the lent lunch service

Also as a belated birthday for (4)

Also associated with this quarter Peter S Abbott who is recuperating in France

Rung as part of Legbourne ringers spring tour which included Willoughby and the Massingberd

In memory of Margaret Parker who encouraged Gemma to ring when she was at Lincoln

Rung in memory of Margaret A Parker

Rung in memory of Margaret A Parker MBE.

Rung in memory of Margaret A Parker.

First peal in the method:

-38-14-56-36-34-18-56.34.78 le12 d

1st in method for all.

First quarter in new method:

3.1.3.3.3.1.3.3,1

Rung in memory of Margaret Parker

First blows in the method: 3

Rung in memory of Margaret Parker MBE

Rung in memory of Margaret A Parker, MBE, and Melvyn A Rose.

First in method - 3

In memory Margaret Parker MBE

Rung in fond memory of Margaret Parker and Melvyn Rose.

First quarter in new principle:

3.1.3.3.1.3.1.1.3,1

Rung in memory of Margaret Parker MBE

Rung in celebration of Agnes Phillips 100th and her brother in law Derek Phillips 90th. The quarter took place just before the birthday party in the village hall. Both have lived in Eagle most of their life and learnt to ring there in their teenage years. Agnes continued ringing at Eagle into her 70's - mostly ringing Grandsire Doubles - and Derek is still an active ringer at Eagle.

First of Spliced Surprise Major - 5

Rounds on 12 by the female ringers at St Wulfram's, Grantham for International Women's Day

Service ringing on International Womens' Day. The ringing was organised and led entirely by the lady members of the band; this being a first for all of them.

The male ringers present rang only as and when requested. The event was a resounding success and enjoyed by everyone.

In memory of Margaret Parker - previous tower captain at Thorpe on the Hill. Gillian Gladman and John Underwood would like to be associated with this quarter peal.

Also rung in memory of Melvyn Rose, lifelong friend of John Underwood and best man for John and Sandra.

First peal in the method:

-38-14-12-1238-14-38.56.78 le12 b

Service ringing dedicated to the memory of our late Tower Captain, Melvyn Rose, who passed away on 27th February. Rung by members of the local band. Also associated with this memorial are other local ringers; David Cooper, Ellie Sargent, Alex Addy, Clare Rogers, Steph Molly, Claire Beard and Charlotte Fry.

First Peal in method: -34-14.12.34-34,12

For Mothering Sunday

In memory Matthew A. Walker RIP

Rung in memory of Melvyn Rose, longtime Tower Captain at Epworth and at Belton-in-Isle-of-Axholme; a staunch member of the church and project leader of the major restoration project at Epworth which was completed ten years ago this year. Also Tourism Officer for St. Andrew's, who conducted very many guided tours of the church for visitors on the Wesley Trail. An accomplished ringer who contributed hugely to ringing and to church life in the Isle of Axholme. With thanks to Debbie Scarf who stood in at short notice for David Cooper, who was unwell and unable to ring. David is therefore associated with this tribute.

Attempted quarter peal for 50th Birthday celebration of 6

Longest length rung - 6

First quarter in new method:

3.1.3.1.3.3.1.3.1,1

First in variation for all, rung on St Patrick's day.

700th peal -5

200th peal at Sproxton - 6.

Rung with the best wishes of the band to Jim Benner for his 70th birthday.

Rung on the original back 5 to commemorate 130 Years since the ringing of a peal here of 6000 Changes in 25 methods.

Also to mark 50 years of ringing for Joanne, Butterwick's Tower Captain.

Longest length: 2

Rung with fond memories of Matthew Anthony Walker (born 21st December 1977) who died in Salford Infirmary on the Friday 13th March 2026 after succumbing to his injuries after being hit by a car mounting the pavement of Princess Road, Salford on Sunday 8th March. Matthew was training for the forthcoming Manchester Marathon with his partner when the incident occurred. Matthew was a member of the Lincoln Guild and rang a record number of quarter peals in 1992-1993, well over 500 each of those years. He also rang 15 peals for the Guild in his brief spell with ringing. He was a keen Marathon and half Marathon Runner, Hiking in the Yorkshire Dale's was also his great passion, a great competitor who never did anything by halves. He will be sorely missed by his family and the many friends in his favourite county of Yorkshire. May he rest in peace.

Rung by the Nettleham Sunday service band in memory of our former Tower Captain, Margaret Parker MBE who recently passed. The quarter could not be rung at Nettleham as they are currently unringable as the tower roof is being repaired. Margaret was also Tower Captain at Thorpe and donated the treble bell in memory of her husband Geoffrey. The following would also like to be associated with this quarter.

Alison Owen

Gillian Gladman

Jackie Field

Bill Holbrook

John Dent

First of Stedman: 3, 6.

Rung with birthday wishes to Joanne for today!

Northern Branch meeting rung half muffled with respect to Keith Faulkner Guild member and Tower Captain who passed away on 20/03/26/ aged 84.

Rung as part of Northern Branch meeting

With a nod to Keith Faulkner and thanks to Jill Day for conveying the cake.

Remembering Philip Waterfield and Matthew Walker

Our thoughts are with Tony Walker who planned to be ringing with us today, but needed to withdraw because his son Matthew was hit by a vehicle whilst training for the Manchester Marathon and sadly lost his life.

Rung half-muffled in memory of Keith Faulkner who passed away on 19th March 2026 by members of Marshchapel, Grimsby Minster and North Somercotes Towers.

1st in method for all.

Rung in recognition of the installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury today.

1st in method inside -4

Rung in memory of our friend Keith Faulkner. Tower Captain of Legbourne who recently passed away.

1st quarter in hand: 1-2

1st quarter in hand as conductor: 3-4

Rung following a quarter peal attempt on the tower bells last week which failed due to a rope breaking.

Special thanks to Benjamin Day, Emma Williamson and Claire Holbrook for their help in the original attempt.

500th Tower Bell quarter - 5

In memory of Matthew A.Walker: The choice of method was Matthew's favourite county where he did most of his outdoor pursuits, Marathon Running, Long Distance Walking, Cricket and Soccer. 1977 - 2026

Matthew visited Billingborough many times visiting his Grandma who lived opposite the church in Spring Gardens.

In memory of Matthew Anthony Walker RIP

Tony and George have now rung peals in all Elloe Deaneries branch towers.

Rung with the band's best wishes to Sylvia Bird on her 80th birthday today, and to entertain the many visitors to the Abbey this afternoon.

800th for the Guild - 5.

First in method: 2&4

Rung half muffled for Good Friday...of course all Fridays are Good, unless you work Saturdays...

Rung to herald the Easter service . The first service ringing for over 20 years . Thanks to all involved with the clean up of the belfry and re-commissioning of the bells .

100th together 1 and 4

75th together 3 and 4

Rung for Easter

Also birthday compliment to Ben Meyer

A belated 'Happy Birthday' for Sylvia.

First peal in the method:

-38-1456-1256-1238-14-38-34.78 le12 b

1st in method for all.

First of Surprise - 4.

Circled tower for second time - 2

Rung with 65th birthday compliments to Chris Rainthorpe for yesterday.

The band would like to associate Bob and Rose Hancock and Charlie Burnett with this quarter peal, all of which have supported the Cambridge Minor focused practices.

Rung half muffled in memory Matthew A. Walker RIP

First in the method - 3

Rung to celebrate the life and contribution to ringing in Louth area by our friend Keith Faulkner RIP

Believed to have been the first ever quarter peal rung on these bells.

Many thanks to Peter Sheldrick and Martyn Pidgen for facilitating .

Rung to celebrate the life and contribution to ringing in Louth Area of Keith Faulkner, whose funeral was held at Grimsby Crematorium today.

First in method for 1 .

First quarter on these bells since reclappering .

200th peal for the LDG - 6.

First peal in the method:

-38-14.58.12-18-34-18-34.56.78 le12 d

Rung in memory of Matthew Anthony Walker 21/12/1977 to 13/03/2026 The method name was chosen because in January 1989 at the young age of just 11 years old he completed the Chanctonbury Marathon of 26 miles distance, walking it in his wellington boots.

At the certificate ceremony in Thakeham Village Hall, West Sussex to a standing ovation, he was presented with a special trophy for his efforts, hence to say he was 'chuffed to bits'

That started the beginnings of his many walking and running events over the forthcoming years until his tragic death. R.I.P

Rung half muffled immediately after the funeral of Matthew Anthony Walker 21st December 1977 to 13th March 2026 aged 48

Rung half muffled prior to the funeral and internment of Matthew Walker

Rung prior to the funeral and interment of Matthew Walker at Sempringham today.

1st treble bob: 1

1st surprise as conductor

50th towerbell quarter - 4.

Proving all the doubters wrong!

In memory of Matthew A. Walker interred at Sempringham on Friday 17th April 2025. b.21/12/1977 - d.13/03/2026 R.I.P. Matt was a frequent visitor to this place and remembering the many family walks in the nearby Callows Lane Wood

Circled tower to peals - 1

First peal in new method

-34.12.34-14.34.14.34.12-14, 14

Rung in memory of Melvyn A Rose, sometime church warden at this church and until his death on 27th Februry 2026 Tower Captain at this tower and also at Epworth. He served his church well for many years and will be greatly missed.

Jenny Kirkby wishes to be associated with this quarter peal.

1st of Grandsire Triples: 2 & 6

Rung on St George's day celebrating the 20th anniversary of the installation and dedication on this day in 2006 of the peal of six bells, the back five coming from Milton Oxon.

Today's peal was dedicated in fond memory of Margaret Parker MBE who sadly passed away 18th February. Margaret was greatly involved in the installation of these bells 20 years ago and in the teaching of the new band here, she was a great friend and supporter of the Hackthorn ringers.

Also rung remembering Mrs Cracroft-Eley CVO of neighbouring Hackthorn Hall & Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, who learnt to ring and who was the driving force behind getting the bells installed as the village Millennium Project, and Rev Ivan Howitt former ringer and Vicar here when the Millennium Project to install the bells was launched, Ivan called the first peal on the bells.

Following the peal the band were entertained to lunch in the village hall along with local ringers, villagers, school children, all who had came out to listen to the peal and friends of Margaret Parker, to raise a glass to the bells and to the memory of Margaret.

Most methods to a peal as conductor.

With the bands best wishes to John Bennett who learnt to ring 80yrs ago this month. He sat in the church listening to us ring the quarter.

Rung in celebration of the birth of Jack Joseph Weeks on 11/10/2025, grandson of Tracey and nephew of Jacob and to mark Tracey's 60th birthday. Also in thanksgiving for the long life of Patricia Black who died age 96 on 15/11/2025, mother-in-law of Tracey and Grandma of Jacob.

1st quarter of multidoubles- 5

Rung before the Scout and Guide St Georges Day service

Rung to mark 80 years of ringing for John B Bennett of Gedney, Lincolnshire

First extent of Dedworth for all

Rung for the Annual Surfleet Flower Festival

To mark the beginning of May

An exceptional effort from all the band!

100th tower - 1

First of Minimus - 1

First of Minimus inside - 2

First anticlockwise clockwise quarter - 4

First anticlockwise quarter in this tower, ringing the third whilst conducting this method inside for the first time in this tower - 3

First peal in the method:

-38-1456-56-18-12-18.56.34.78 le12 b

First quarter in new Principle:

3.1.3.3.123.1,1

100th Birthday compliment to Sir David Attenborough

100th Birthday compliment to Sir David Attenborough

First Alliance 1 & 2

First in method 2,3,4 and 6

First quarter in method

Rung following wedding - which was delayed due to the organist being involved in a RTA on his way to the church

Rung during the Joint Central and West Lindsey branch practice.

To celebrate the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough

Rung during the Joint Central and West Lindsey Branch practice. Congratulations to Lucy on her election to the Guild.

To celebrate the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough.

Rung during the Joint Central and West Lindsey Branch practice.

To celebrate the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough.

Rung during the Joint Central and West Lindsey Branch practice.

To celebrate the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough.

Les Townsend, our very own nonagenarian, listened (with pleasure) to these performances at Hackthorn.

First in the method - 5.

Rung in memory of Brian Rothwell, grandfather of Ben and ringer at Rainhill, Lancashire, who passed away on 3 May 2026.

A tribute to Sir David Attenborough, who celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday

A short touch of 100 changes to celebrate the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough

Rung in memory of Delia Heppenstall who died on 14th of May 2025 when Gainsborough bells were out of action. Jennifer & Jonathan Swatton and Janet Clarke wish to be associated with this quarter, with thanks to 1, 3 & 2 for ringing for them at increasingly short notice!

First in method:2

Rung to celebrate the official opening of 'On Freedom's Wings'. This artistic memorial to Bomber Command is situated in the parish of Norton Disney and depicts a life size Lancaster Bomber. Lancaster's flew from neighbouring RAF Swinderby.

First quarter in method inside (4)

Rung to mark the 10th anniversary of the passing of Denis Frith. He was associated with St Wulfram's for over 50 years - many of which were as Tower Captain. He served as Southern Branch secretary and ringing master and later as secretary and ringing master of the Lincoln Guild. For a short while he was Guild President - a role normally held by The Dean of the Diocese. He served on the Central Council. His dedication to the guild was noted when he was elected as an Honorary Life member. He loved Grandsire Caters on the original 10 (now the back 10) at Grantham. He made it known that following his death he would like a peal of Grandsire Caters to be rung on the original 10. The attempt shortly after his death was lost. That has been remedied today. Denis conducted today's conductor's first peal in 1985.

First peal for over thirty years and second overall: 8

First Inside on Ten: 3

1st QP - 3

Rung for Bell Sunday

First peal in method

34--14---14---14--34, 14

Rung for Bell Sunday.

Call Changes on 8. Also CC front 4 back 4 simultaneously with tenor behind.

Plain Bob, Plain Hunt and Grandsire Minimus on back 4 with Tenor behind and front 4 ringing Queens.

Birthday compliment today to Luke ringer of the 2nd

First in method - 4

Dedicated to the memory of A Robin Heppenstall, who died earlier today.

Dedicated to the memory of A Robin Heppenstall, Honorary Life Member of the Lincoln Diocesan Guild, who died on 19 May 2026, aged 91 years.

New Methods first inclusion in a quarter peal:

Covenham St Mary Treble Place Singles

3.123.3.123.3.1.3.3.3,123

Covenham St Bartholomew Treble Place Singles

3.123.3.123.3.1.3.123.3,123

Utterby Treble Place Singles

3.123.3.123.3.1.123.3.3,123

Rung following remedial works carried out on the tower window stonework.

Rung in memory of Sapper Joseph Dunn, Royal Engineers , 509th Field Company, a Goxhill bellringer, who was killed in action on 21/03/1918, aged 36, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France.

Their name liveth for evermore.

Rung in memory of David W Howarth of Bourne, Lincs on the evening of his funeral. David was a one time ringer at Newhey, Greater Manchester and rang 55 peals mainly for the Lancashire Association

3 & 4 - First inside in method

6 - First calling a quarter peal.

Special thanks to Chris Rainthorpe and Owen Peters for their support.

Rung in remembrance of Robin Heppenstall.

1 - First away from cover

Rung during the monthly Brigg Farmers' market.

By an LDGCB (West Lindsey Branch) band in thanksgiving for the life of Robin Heppenstall.

Rung in memory of A Robin Heppenstall

We did custard last week so felt this was appropriate.

First in method for all.

1st in method for all

Rung on the 100th Anniversary of the first peal rung on the bells after they were recast and rehung in a new steel frame by Taylor & Co.

First blows in the method for all the band.

Rung with the bands best wishes to Mark on his retirement.

First of Surprise Major - 3

250th quarter - 1

First of Triples - 2

First trebling to triples - 1

Better than usual - 3

Dedicated in memory of A. Robin Heppenstall.

A farewell to BBC's Fergal Keane after his many years reporting in war zones

100th together - 6&7

In memory of Robin Heppenstall

First quarter in new principle:

3.3.3.1.3.3.123.1,1

Celebrating Chairman Anthony Walker and Master Keith Butter's 100th peal together earlier today. Congratulations!

Rung with the bands best wishes to Tristan Shaw, who organised this quarter but was unable to ring.

First in method 2,3,4 & 6

First of Lincolnshire: 2

First of Surprise Major: 6

First quarter - 1

First peal in the method:

-38-1456-56-18-12-18-56-3478-3456-18-12-18-56-1456-38-12 b

First blows in Hudibras for all

1st peal for the Lincoln Guild and 1st peal in 26yrs: 1