I’M not a recently fired bellringer, but just a few weeks ago I was in the bell tower watching with awe the skilled operation of the ropes which ring the bells.
I am related to some of the ringers, and have had the privilege of watching them several times over some 50 years when I’ve visited from Canada.
I have known Peter Sanderson since he was a babe, and was so delighted this past August to see his dedication not only in ringing but also in training some younger new ringers.
It is impossible to imagine that the Minster plans to “hire” a new ringing master and encourage novices to come and give it a go.
They need the training of the present very skilled ringers.
Don’t know what the safety concern is. Perhaps it has to do with the winding spiral staircase up to the ringing tower?
It cannot be the bells themselves, surely, as they are taken care of by a (presumably professional) gentleman who is not a ringer, and whom I have also seen in action in the bell tower.
Jean Smythe, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
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