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The Secretary’s duties include organising the meetings and practices of the Society; recording minutes of meetings; dealing with correspondence; informing members of the dates, venues and business of the Society's meetings; and maintaining our correspondence list.
"I am originally from Germany and came to ringing in my mid-50s, when the ringers of St Peter's in Wolverhampton had an Open Tower Day in the summer of 2024. My next step was to complete Levels 1 and 2 of the Birmingham School of Bell Ringing in order to get the necessary bell-handling skills.
Since late 2025 I have supported the Sunday service ringing with call changes on inside bells and ringing the tenor to allow the experienced ringers of St Peter's to ring intricate methods. I am very fortunate to have been made to feel welcome by two additional local towers - Penn and Pattingham.
Coming to ringing late in life does present challenges, but the ability to make music as a part of a group (no ringer can ring alone) and the very physicality of the 'exercise' mean I genuinely believe that I have found my ideal retirement sport."
The Ringing Master is responsible for running the ringing at Society practices and meetings, quarter peals, peals, and other ringing events to further the purposes of the Society.
The Treasurer keeps an account of the income and expenditure of the Society; prepares an annual statement of the accounts; maintains the Society's insurances; and maintains a complete register of all members of the Society.
"I was originally taught to ring in the 1970s at a 3-bell tower at Alkborough in north Lincolnshire, which is known as the site of one the few remaining turf mazes in England.
I was then taught again to ring properly when I joined the Abbots Bromley band around 2011 and have benefited hugely from being surrounded by expert ringers."
The Assistant Ringing Master helps the Ringing Master run the ringing at meetings.
"As a teenager, I was taught to ring at St Matthew's Walsall in 1981 by George W Hughes and Arthur Botterill. At that time, I rang regularly at my home tower as well as several others across the Black Country, even serving for a time as tower captain at All Saint's in West Bromwich. I returned to ringing at Pelsall in 2018 following a break of about twenty years and am once again enjoying being part of our Society. I am passionate about ensuring that ringing in our area continues in support of the mission of the church, also to encourage new ringers of all abilities to join us to secure the future of the tradition of which we are the current custodians."
The DPO manages the GDPR records for Society members.
"I learned to ring at Kings Bromley in 2001 after accompanying my son who wanted to learn after attending an open day. I joined the Lichfield Cathedral band in 2016 and it was challenging to ring on 10 bells after years of ringing mainly on 6 bells but help was at hand & I was soon able to plain hunt to Plain Bob & Grandsire Caters.
I have made very good friends through ringing and have always been made welcome at the various towers I go to. I am lucky to ring with so many highly skilled (& patient) ringers who are always on hand to help and offer support."
The Bell Advisor keeps a watching brief on all bell installations in the Society; performs inspections as requested and supplies reports; and gives advice to towers and members regarding maintenance and restoration.
Like all other territorial Societies, we are affiliated to the national Central Council of Church Bellringers. We currently send three representatives to the AGM in September.
The Safeguarding Officer provides guidance and assistance to members regarding Safeguarding issues if able to do so. If not, they will refer members in need of assistance to the appropriate sources of guidance.
The Committee can elect up to four additional members who carry out the additional work of the Society. The Committee meets five times a year.
"I started ringing in 1990. The vicar announced "If anyone wants to learn to ring please join the Pelsall band". So I did. I am now assistant tower captain at Walsall but ring regularly in Birmingham, where I worship. I am a regular helper for the Birmingham School of Bellringing and am a qualified Association of Ringing Teachers tutor."
Matt Hardy - Committee member
The Committee can elect up to four additional members who carry out the additional work of the Society. The Committee meets five times a year.
"I learnt to ring in the 1990's at Market Deeping in Lincolnshire where we had an experienced 8 bell band and other young ringers to learn alongside. I also rang at nearby Peterborough Cathedral on higher numbers of bells. While at Birmingham University I rang in Birmingham where I am still a member of the Cathedral band at St Philips. Since moving to the Walsall area and working in Staffordshire I have been ringing locally at Great Barr for nearly 20 years and at other local towers. I have been a former committee member, meeting chair and Ringing Master of the society, as well as starting the society young ringers group."
The Committee can elect up to four additional members who carry out the additional work of the Society. The Committee meets five times a year.
"I was taught to ring by Philip Davies, at Bilston, in 1973, and rang there until 1999, when after moving house I joined the band at Lichfield Cathedral.
I really enjoy teaching new recruits and passing on my love of bellringing."
The Committee can elect up to four additional members who carry out the additional work of the Society. The Committee meets five times a year.
The Three Spires is a group for younger ringers (typically under 19 years old) who meets on the first Sunday of each month at 4pm (see calendar).
"Liz was taught by her father, Lawrence Sheard, at Batley, West Yorkshire when she was 9 years old. Stuart was taught by Brian Harris shortly after the new bells at Abbots Bromley were installed in 1977. After meeting at university, Liz and I lived in Armitage and were instrumental in getting the new ring of 6 installed. We moved to Abbots Bromley in 2008 and have enjoyed ringing with the enthusiastic local band ever since.
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