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Diocese of Derby
World News

Church bell-ringing to fight the festive bulge

by Hannah Tooley

Revd Clive Thrower of Ashford in the Water, near Bakewell, wants locals to work off their over-indulgent Christmas diet via an alternative work out - bell ringing.

He said that it "stretches the mind as well as the body, provides a great cardiovascular workout, is a hobby enjoyed in any weather and far cheaper than paying membership fees at a gym."

The centuries old art has a committed 145 churches with ringers in all parts of the county.

Revd Clive Thrower is president of the Derby Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers and says that ringers from across the country travel to Derbyshire to take advantage of its rich range of bells there.

The churches at Youlgreave and Melbourne have twelve bells, Derby Cathedral and Chesterfield's famous Crooked Spire have ten and the remaining church belfry's house between three and ten.

Peter Jenkinson, Diocesan Membership Secretary and North Wingfield Tower Captain said that there has been a growing interest in ringing, including from young people.

Young ringers from the county recently took part in a Ringing World Youth Contest in Oxford and were honoured with a grade 'A' award.

Peter Jenkinson said that: "Virtually anyone can enjoy ringing church bells and you don't have to be a regular church member to take part.

"We are always happy to help anyone interested. Bell-ringing is a great hobby. Ringers can visit churches and be assured of a welcome wherever they go in the UK."

He told Premier that: "Climbing stairs up to very high towers gets the muscles and the legs moving a bit, and certinately pulling on ropes is exercise in its own right."

Mr Jenkinson added that it really is suitable for all ages: "I'm approaching seven decades in age and I've been ringing since I was 13 I think, so quite a long time!

"It's open to everyone really, you don't have to be a member of a church."

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speak to Peter Jenkinson here:

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