Derrick's 70th Birthday.

It may be a surprise to some that Derrick, the Society Treasurer celebrated his 70th Birthday in April 2011.

His family arranged to take him on a weekend away, filled with surprises. Amongst these, they had a very special cake made for him. The cake was a large church, surrounded by another four cakes one for each of the towers that Derrick rings at every week. Over the last few years Derrick has supported many dwindling practice nights and Sunday service ringing and encouraged the learners taking part. He routinely rings at two or even three churches on a Sunday morning. His ringing friends were especially delighted when Derrick rang his first quarter peal of surprise major shortly before his 70th birthday!   details

Photographs are of Derrick in action, and the amazing cake.

‘Tribute’ to Celebrate 60 years of Bellringing 

On Sunday 30th March 2008 during the morning ‘Family Praise’ service at Sandal Magna, St Helen’s Church a presentation was made to John Cutt to celebrate his 60 years (and continuing) service as a bellringer at this church. The service opened with the Bellringer’s Hymn sung to the tune of ‘Belfry Praise’. During a short interview and presentation by the Vicar, Rev. Rupert Martin of a card signed by members of the congregation and a specially made working model of a tower bell, a slide show of John’s ringing life was shown. Afterwards 6 of the bellringers demonstrated change ringing on 12 handbells, a great challenge to those used to ringing one tower bell each!

When John, aged 13 started as a learner in 1948 his Father, George had already been a bellringer for 20 years, and Uncle Ernest for 22 years, so for over 80 years there have been Cutt family members ringing at Sandal! In the early 1950’s in addition to the established team there was a lively group of younger ringers, joined in 1955 by Margot Green who married John in 1961. Eventually their daughters Elisabeth and Alison also became bellringers.

John followed his father as Tower Captain 32 years ago and is still serving in this capacity. During this time he has carried out much of the maintenance on the bells, until recently wound the clock and taught many learners both at Sandal and nearby towers. He often tells beginners and those with some experience that he is still learning after 60 years! In addition to giving service to the church his enjoyment from bellringing comes from passing on the skills needed to ensure that this ancient English tradition of ‘Full Circle’ change ringing continues.

Margot Cutt