Nathan Fisher, Bell Major of the Durham Cathedral Guild of Bell Ringers, says, “This is a moment we have been looking forward to. The ringing will sound different, with six bells rather than the full ten. Nonetheless, it will be a good start to returning to a normal Sunday routine of ringing for the cathedral services. Durham is a cathedral city and the bells have been conspicuous by their absence. I am grateful to my fellow bell ringers who will join me on Sunday as we shake the dust from the ropes and enable the bells to once again ring out across Durham.”
Durham Cathedral Guild of Bell Ringers has 12 members. As they resume their bell ringing duties over the next few weeks, they will rotate, taking turns, always following the rule of six. They are looking forward to the moment when further easing of lockdown allows ten people from different households to be in an indoor space, and they can ring all ten bells. In addition to Nathan, the bell ringers taking part in this historic moment are Robert Criddle, Chris Mansfield, Keith Hayton, Rachel Wells and Oliver Rice.
For more information about the cathedral bells and bell ringing please see www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/worship-music/cathedral-bells Enquiries from budding bell ringers are always welcome.