Name of Applicant:

Archie Lewis

Date of birth:

06/07/2008

Email address:

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Home tower:

North Wingfield

County:

Derbyshire

Consent given:

Parent/Guardian name:

Jeanette Lewis

Parent/Guardian email address:

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Application:

This is my 4th year of ringing, since starting I knew that this was something I wanted to continue doing, not just for a Duke of Edinburgh award. I was made very welcome by the ringers who were eager to pass on their skills and knowledge, and of course, their love of bellringing. I’m frequently invited by other towers to ring with them, ring weekly at Clay Cross with my home tower being North Wingfield where I would one day aspire to be Tower Captain.
I enjoy meeting other ringers, learning from them and am acutely aware of all our different personalities and quirks, and accommodating these in each other for our love of bellringing.
I’m interested in the history of our tower and past ringers. To this end I have put together and displayed in our tower some past memorabilia. I found a photograph of some past ringers which I intend to write to the ‘Repair Shop’ on television in the hopes that they may be able to restore it, which would give me the opportunity to promote bellringing to a wider audience if it were shown.
I’ve previously arranged for the Cubs (where I’m a young leader) to visit the bell tower and ‘have a go’ on their visit which we all enjoyed - I was so proud of them! I particularly enjoy visitors attending so they can see what we do, helping them give it a try if they wish, I feel I’m particularly good at being a patient and considerate teacher when helping new starters as that’s what I appreciated when starting out. We’ve even had a bride & groom in full wedding attire climb the stairs to see us!
Since joining the ringers, I’ve been encouraged to learn about the bell’s maintenance and upkeep and have assisted in repairs, servicing and care, for example sourcing and crafting Ash wood into a bespoke stay. I’ve also taken it upon myself to clean, tidy and ‘spruce up’ our ringing room so it’s more pleasant for both us and our visitors – which also included the consideration of safety features including first aid kit and fire extinguisher. When I led the project where we restored the Ellacombe Chimes, I found it difficult to take lead and direct other older ringers, but it paid off as I taught them how to play a tune!
Notable moments for me range from being asked for specifically to ring for peoples weddings, ‘Ringing for the King’, Remembrance Sundays, and a special quarter peal we undertook in remembrance and recognition of the passing of a fellow ringer. I’m proud of our dedication and commitment, providing bells on Sunday mornings, midnight mass, Christmas day, weddings, other special occasions and our practice sessions.
I’m often surprised and heartened to see on social media when we have been noticed and more so when our absence has been commented upon suggesting perhaps that we are appreciated more than we might imagine as a little group of ringers!