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Notable Achievements

2020-09-15T10:27:26Z

TonyL: /* Most Quarter Peals in a day */

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the '''first person to ring 5,000 peals''', all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013 and his 7,000th peal on 24 December 2016.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the '''first lady to reach 4000 peals''' with a peal at [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=13973 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the '''first person to reach 1000 peals'''. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the '''youngest person to ring a 1000 peals''' on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the '''fastest person to ring 1000 Peals''' (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1061557 Thorverton, Devon] on the 8th December 2007, and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997. He also became the '''fastest person to ring 2000 Peals''' (in 13yr 3mth) by ringing in a Peal at Bishops-Ting-Tong, Devon on the 17th April 2012 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=132938] surpassing '''Peter G C Ellis' ''' previous record of 13yr 11mth.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Ruth Curtis''' became the '''first lady to ring 5000 peals''' on Saturday, 23 December 2017 ringing the 2nd to London S Royal at Nottingham St Mary and surpassing Elizabeth Bowden's total. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1204637]

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Paul J Pascoe (13yr 3mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|-
|7000th
| Colin M Turner (2016)
| Colin M Turner (40yr 10mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers (2365 by July 2018) and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers (1854 by June 2015).

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1133244]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1127231]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1059467 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1062189 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at October 2017 he has rung a total of 66 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), the Standard 8 Major, 3 Spliced S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and 574 quarter peals (a few of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, all of the standard 8 Surprise Royal and the Surprise Royal alphabet, Grandsire Cinques and several of Yorkshire and Cambridge Max (see Bellboard for most recent performances). Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1084325 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors.

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing a few weeks before her 50th birthday, and rang her first peals on tower bells ([https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1239504 inside to Yorkshire S Major]) and handbells ([https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1239503 1-2 to Oxford TB Major]) in 1995. She has rung peals of Glasgow S Major, and Belfast S Major, on both tower bells and handbells; of Horton's Four and Pitman's Four on tower bells; peals of Spliced Surprise on both tower and handbells including Norman Smith's atw 23 Spliced Surprise Major and the "standard" 41 spliced Surprise Minor. She has also rung Richard Pearce's atw 23 Spliced Surprise Major and 42 irregular Surprise Minor on tower bells, and multi-method peals of Surprise Minor on handbells in from 7 to 57 methods. In all, she had rung 149 tower-bell peals by 2012, when her Parkinson's Disease was diagnosed, and 118 handbell peals by 2016.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012. At the same tower exactly a year later, aged 10, he rang the 3rd to a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=316641 Bristol Surprise Maximus].

'''Alfred G W Pipe''' rang his first peal being Bristol S Major [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1019542]on Tuesday, 2 August 2016 at Histon, Cambs and subsequently his first on 12 being 5042 Cambridge Surprise [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1189134] at University Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge on Thursday, 21 September 2017 at the age of 12. A few weeks later on Thursday, 12 October 2017 ringing the 3rd again at the same tower he scored a 5040 of Bristol S Maximus [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1191777]. A number of family handbell peals over the years had preceded these performances.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield. His first peal on 12 was a peal of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=333792 Bristol Maximus] at Stockton-on-Tees, at the age of 11. His first peal as conductor was [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=465478 Stedman Cinques] aged 12 years and 11 months, thus probably being the youngest person to call both a 12-bell peal and a peal of Stedman.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe, who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

The youngest band to ring a towerbell peal at the time was rung on 21 April 1934 at Crayford, Kent, of 5024 Plain Bob Major: 1 Percy Stone, 2 Arthur W Jones, 3 Phyllis E Tillet, 4 Walter H Dobbie, 5 Margaret Pack, 6 John J L Gilbert (Cond), 7 Joseph T Pack, 8 Edwin A Barnett. Average age 15 years.

The youngest 6-bell peal was rung on 15 December 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon, of 5040 Plain Bob Minor RW1980/66: 1 Alex F Byrne (1st peal 9y 243d), 2 Carole A Carey (12y 324d), 3 Teresa K Packer (1st peal 13y 56d), 4 Peter Bladon (11y 360d), 5 Helen Bladon (13y 20d), 6 Gary P Exell (Cond 12y 290d). Average age 12 years 94 days.

The youngest 8-bell peal was rung on 27 November 1982 at Tetbury, Gloucestershire, of 5056 Plain Bob Major RW1983/82: 1 Elizabeth Turner (1st peal 13y 302d), 2 Neil Marshman (1st peal 14y 149d), Matthew P Connock (11y 201d), Alex F Byrne (12y 225d), Carole A Carey (15y 306d), Peter Bladon (14y 342d), Stephen J Bucknell (16y 140d), Gary P Exell (Cond 15y 272d). Rung by resident members of the Gloucestershire & Bristol Diocesan Association with an average age of 14 years and 151 days.

The youngest 8-bell peal of Surprise was rung on 23 October 1982 at Knowle, West Midlands, of 5024 Cambridge Surprise Major {RW1982/947}: John R Martin (18y 204d), Paul McNutt (15y 102d), Ian McNutt (15y 102d), Ian Wilgress (1st peal 16y 276d), Mark S Gilthorpe (17y 349d), Elizabeth Anderson (16y 265d), David J Pipe (14y 260d), Gary P Exell (Cond 15y 237d). Average age 16 years 133 days.

The youngest 10-bell peal was rung on 7 January 2018 at St Paul's, Birmingham, of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1206415 5042 Cambridge Surprise Royal]: 1 James P Town, 2 Daniel J Page, 3 Alfred G W Pipe, 4 Alex S Riley (C), 5 Jack L Edwards, 6 Henry J W Pipe, 7 Luke S P Riley, 8 Anna E Sherwood, 9 William M Regan, 10 Ewan G A Hull. The average age of the band was 15 years 322 days.

The youngest 12-bell peal was rung on 21 January 2018 at Melbourne, Derbyshire, of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1209822 5042 Cambridge Surprise Maximus]: 1 James P Town, 2 Alex S Riley (C), 3 Daniel J Page, 4 Jack L Edwards, 5 Henry J W Pipe, 6 Alfred G W Pipe, 7 Andrew D Meyer, 8 Luke S P Riley, 9 Matthew S Pearson, 10 Anna E Sherwood, 11 Ewan G A Hull, 12 William M Regan. The average age of the band was 15 years 341 days. This peal was also notable as being Andrew Meyer's 2nd peal and his first on more than 6 bells. The previous record was set on 2 January 1984 with a peal of 5042 Cambridge S Maximus at All Saints, Worcester: 1 Stephen J Mills (13); 2 Wendy B Smith (18); 3 Julia R Cater (13); 4 Ian McNutt (16); 5 Elizabeth Anderson (17); 6 Jonathan K F Tait (16); 7 Alison J Cox (18); 8 Paul McNutt (16); 9 Martin A Smith (15); 10 David J Garton (19); 11 Andrew B Mills (16); 12 David J Pipe (C) (15). Average age 16.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=421200 Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow] at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1101561 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=131688 Grandsire Triples], at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=389649 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

'''Ewan G A Hull''' conducted his first peal, which was also his first of Cinques, being [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=465478 Stedman] at St Magnus the Martyr, London on Saturday 30 May 2015, aged 12.

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 28 Oct 2000
| Christopher H Barrett
| Reading, St Laurence
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=420995 22 Sep 2001]
| Matthew E Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Bristol S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919628 9 Nov 2002]
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919309 9 Nov 2002]
| Dorothy M Hudson
| South Petherton
| Plain B Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=920144 11 Jan 2003]
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=25534 22 May 2004]
| Becky L Dunnett
| South Petherton
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=129488 25 Feb 2006]
| Louise C Palmer
| Southwark Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=55665 14 Oct 2006]
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=913304 18 Oct 2008]
| Lucy J Clark
| Southampton, Bitterne Park
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=6087 8 Aug 2010]
| Jennifer S Mackley
| New York, Trinity Church
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=7804 11 Sep 2010]
| Harriet S E Mather
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Mather D Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=16794 14 Feb 2011]
| Charlotte H Stansbury
| Hursley
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124605 12 Nov 2011]
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=943578 10 Jan 2015]
| Caroline A Prescott
| Guildford Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (3m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=471297 11 Jul 2015]
| Ewan Grant-Richardson
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Most Quarter Peals in a day==

In December 2013 the change-ringers list discussed the record for Quarter Peals in one day. It is likely that the number stands at 28 rung within a 24hr period performed at Mablethorpe and there is a footnote to a [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=67404 2007 quarter peal] "In affectionate memory of Keith N Buckingham, immediate past master of the Lincoln DGCBR. Keith was a member of the band in the successful world record attempt, ringing 28 quarter peals in 24 hours on these bells."

In September 2020 a series of 25 quarter peals rung at Ossington on 4th July 1992 was submitted to Bellboard with the [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1390746 final footnote] reading "This sets a record for the most number of quarter peals rung in one day. 31,956 changes were rung in 14 hours 13 minutes. This sets a record for the most number of changes rung on one set of church bells in one day."

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1142106] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

'''Simon Melen''' chose Orion S Maximus for his first attempt at a double-handed peal ringing 3-4 at Melbourne for his 1,000th peal on Saturday 30th December 2017 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1205499]. He had taken advantage of practising on the simulator at Ticknall (10) which had been installed at the insistence of a local ringer, Ken Ballington, who sadly died shortly before this performance.

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=262936] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1055328] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1083506] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eighth attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===First Handbell Peal===

On Wednesday 21 June 2017, Pip Dillistone rang 3-4 to a peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus, his first handbell peal. Prior to this, he had minimal experience of ringing on handbells at all, other than using a simulator, having rung just four handbell quarter peals. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1177312]

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Heaviest Bells Rung to a Handbell Peal===

The range of tenor size for handbell peals is typically size 8 to size 18 although peals on higher numbers require larger sets of bells sometimes with a larger tenor. For example the first peals of Kent Sixteen and Little Bob Twenty-two both used a tenor size 22. However, on 2 February 1925 in two hours and 35 minutes, a peal of 5040 Stedman Triples was rung in St Margaret's Ringing Room, Leicester with a tenor size of 26 in G. 1-2 Harold J Poole (conductor) 3-4 Edward Whitehead 5-6 Ernest Morris 7-8 Josiah Morris [RW1925/102]. A report in the Ringing World on this peal [RW1925/104] stated that the previous records, both with a size 22 tenor, were Grandsire Triples on 20 April 1888 at Ipswich and Stedman Triples on 13 May 1914 at Guildford. Another peal was rung using a tenor size 26 in G, against in the ringing room of St Margaret's Leicester, but this time 5008 Plain Bob Major in 2 hours 34 minutes 1-2 Ernest Morris 3-4 John M Jelley (conductor) 5-6 John A Acres 7-8 Robert B Smith [RW 1961/346 comment 349]. This being the heaviest tenor ever turned in to a peal.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h12 in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E]. On Monday, 30 December 2019, as a birthday treat, '''Simon Melen''' [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1317221 rang 7-8-9-10 to a peal of Orion Surprise Maximus]

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1-2-3-4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1-2-3-4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal). On 28 December 1976, '''Frank H King rang 1-2-3-4''' to a peal of Plain Bob Minimus at 7 Victoria Street, Cambridge, umpired by Ann V King (RW1977/100). On 3 December 2019, '''Samuel M Senior rang 1-2-3-4''' to a quarter peal of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1313234 Plain Bob Minimus] in Southampton.

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

== Footbell Performances ==

'''Anthony Parry''' rang a quarter peal of Plain Bob Minor using Pedalognomes driven by his feet on Sunday, 28 November 2010 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=12758]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

User talk:GACJ

2020-02-24T10:50:35Z

TonyL: /* Databases */ new section

Please add any comments here using the + button above:

== General points on new wiki ==

1) On creating I received the following with reference to my email littlebobmajor@yahoo.co.uk

Could not send confirmation mail. Check address for invalid characters.

Mailer returned: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. Please use the date.timezone setting, the TZ environment variable or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'Europe/London' for '1.0/DST' instead
Welcome, TonyL!

''Thanks. I'll look into this. It may be a configuration file setting - It is, and one the hosting company doesn't allow me to change!''

2) The old wiki had an Index page. Is it intended to use and add Categories to all pages or to attempt some other form of grouping?

''I have added a table of contents at the bottom of the home page. It can be edited in the Template:Navigation''

3) Is RSS support (readily) available?

''If you click on recent changes, an RSS button appears in the toolbox. Click on this and you can subscribe''

Regards

Tony Lees

== Next Step ==

I think have succeeded in creating a page about University of London Society of Change Ringers but what is the next step to get this catagorised/recognised/linked to... ? Thanks

''Thanks for the contribution. Here are a few pointers:-''

''1) You added the content in your User page which is intended for content about you. The easiest way to create a new page is to type its title in the search box. When the wiki doesn't find it, it gives you the option to create it. I have already moved this to [[University of London Society of Change Ringers]] for you.''

''2) You can add entries to the Table of Contents by editing [[Template:Navigation]]. I have added the ULSCR entry for you.''

''3) Because you have edited this from your Wikipedia entry, a number of the links are internal to Wikipedia, so don't work here. Review all the words on your page that are highlighted in Red. You can do one of the following: create an external (rather than internal) link to the Wikipedia entry, create an equivalent page in the Changeringing wiki if appropriate, or substitute the link for text.''

''4) The two Templates Reflist and Gutenburg are not set up in this wiki. You can either create them, or change the text to avoid referring to them. More help on topics like this can be found at [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents Wikimedia]. For a way of including references using ref tags, see how this is done by going into edit on the [[Old Societies]] page''

''5) The Wikipedia entry has a photo of Hart Street church. You can upload photos to this wiki and include them in you pages - see [[Help:Contents]] for more details.''

== Altering a Page Name ==

I've just set up a page named "Bells & Fittings: Wheels" which I should have called just "Wheels". How do I correct this? The normal Edit facility only allows me to change the content, not the page name.
Regards, John Norris

''You can rename a page using the move tab at the top of the page.''

== Image maintenance ==

File:Bastow42.png is un-used and can be deleted.

Thank you

''Deleted 12/05/13.''

== New page for Main_Page "Conducting" section. ==

Cannot edit Main_Page, would like to add:

http://wiki.changeringing.co.uk/Conducting_Plain_Bob_Doubles:_See_The_Complete_Picture

[[Conducting_Plain_Bob_Doubles:_See_The_Complete_Picture]]

To the "Conducting" section.

== Databases ==

Can we have a database section. I've added a page for Campanophile and it may be useful to have entries for Bellboard, Pealbase, Dove, Felstead, and some of the defunct eg peals.co.uk and no doubt others. The history of these can soon be forgotten. Maybe two sections - User Submittable and Reference or similar. As an aside I was unable to upload an image of <2Mb and even 1,192kb, I think I've ended up downsizing to <1Mb

User talk:GACJ

2020-02-24T10:44:52Z

TonyL: /* HTML * removed/

Campanophile

2020-02-24T10:35:03Z

TonyL: /* Background and History */

Campanophile1 '''''n''''' - The name of a once-popular ringing performance records website. www.campanophile.co.uk - now closed. Replaced by [[Bellboard]]

Campanophile2 '''''v''''' - To research someones previous ringing, using Campanophile.
Example - "I campanophiled Fred..."

==== Background and History ====

As computers became more popular in the 1990’s a need was perceived to have user-submittable ringing data available on-line. A diary had been made available by Graham Nabb but this required notifying him of the event.

Anthony (Tony) Parry developed a system known as Campanophile which was publicly announced on 22 Dec 2000 whereby users could enter their own submissions which were then immediately viewable. However there were probably some teething problems and the earliest submitted date is a handbell peal of spliced minor rung at Harpenden on 18 June 2001. Thereafter the system appears to settle down.

As well as ringing performances Campanophile extended to allow users to enter Diary events, Notices, Bulletin Boards, a front page and several other features. Editors assisted with articles and content. A snapshot of the main page from June 2012 is shown (click to view, continue clicking to expand)

<gallery>
Campanophile-Jun2012.jpg|Campanophile Main Screen Example
</gallery>
. The system allowed entries to be forwarded to the Ringing World in a form suitable for typesetting.

Tony Parry was active on the email lists. In the early days pseudonyms were permitted and his postings were under the name of Gartenzwerg.

Tony had Motor Neurone Disease and there were concerns about what the future of Campanophile. On 12 January 2012, after the site had been unavailable for a few days, Tony announced “The Campanophile server is broken and I cannot fix it. Am currently
considering whether it is worth purchasing a new server.” At this stage, whilst the Ringing World were able to accept submissions via their site, it became apparent that the volume of data was going to cause a problem and at their behest Richard Smith quickly developed a system to permit direct entry. The system was called Bellboard. At around the same time as Bellboard went live Campanophile was revived on a new server. The existence of two databases caused consternation with some preferring one or the other and some seeing resilience in having more than one system. Bellboard soon developed the ability to read submissions made to Campanophile.

Nonetheless Tony’s condition continued to take its toll and he became unable to maintain Campanophile. Heroic efforts were made by David Simpson (Staffs) to work out how to keep the system going and indeed import data from Bellboard giving two way synchronisation but eventually Tony’s brother, David, announced that the domain and server facilities would not be renewed and that no more donations were to be submitted. The system closed down at the end of 2016. Tony died on 21st March 2019.

Campanophile

2020-02-24T10:32:10Z

TonyL: /* Background and History */

Campanophile1 '''''n''''' - The name of a once-popular ringing performance records website. www.campanophile.co.uk - now closed. Replaced by [[Bellboard]]

Campanophile2 '''''v''''' - To research someones previous ringing, using Campanophile.
Example - "I campanophiled Fred..."

==== Background and History ====

As computers became more popular in the 1990’s a need was perceived to have user-submittable ringing data available on-line. A diary had been made available by Graham Nabb but this required notifying him of the event.

Anthony (Tony) Parry developed a system known as Campanophile which was publicly announced on 22 Dec 2000 whereby users could enter their own submissions which were then immediately viewable. However there were probably some teething problems and the earliest submitted date is a handbell peal of spliced minor rung at Harpenden on 18 June 2001. Thereafter the system appears to settle down.

As well as ringing performances Campanophile extended to allow users to enter Diary events, Notices, Bulletin Boards, a front page and several other features. Editors assisted with articles and content. A snapshot of the main page from June 2012 is shown
<gallery>
Campanophile-Jun2012.jpg
</gallery>
. The system allowed entries to be forwarded to the Ringing World in a form suitable for typesetting.

Tony Parry was active on the email lists. In the early days pseudonyms were permitted and his postings were under the name of Gartenzwerg.

Tony had Motor Neurone Disease and there were concerns about what the future of Campanophile. On 12 January 2012, after the site had been unavailable for a few days, Tony announced “The Campanophile server is broken and I cannot fix it. Am currently
considering whether it is worth purchasing a new server.” At this stage, whilst the Ringing World were able to accept submissions via their site, it became apparent that the volume of data was going to cause a problem and at their behest Richard Smith quickly developed a system to permit direct entry. The system was called Bellboard. At around the same time as Bellboard went live Campanophile was revived on a new server. The existence of two databases caused consternation with some preferring one or the other and some seeing resilience in having more than one system. Bellboard soon developed the ability to read submissions made to Campanophile.

Nonetheless Tony’s condition continued to take its toll and he became unable to maintain Campanophile. Heroic efforts were made by David Simpson (Staffs) to work out how to keep the system going and indeed import data from Bellboard giving two way synchronisation but eventually Tony’s brother, David, announced that the domain and server facilities would not be renewed and that no more donations were to be submitted. The system closed down at the end of 2016. Tony died on 21st March 2019.

Campanophile

2020-02-24T10:30:36Z

TonyL: /* Background and History */

Campanophile1 '''''n''''' - The name of a once-popular ringing performance records website. www.campanophile.co.uk - now closed. Replaced by [[Bellboard]]

Campanophile2 '''''v''''' - To research someones previous ringing, using Campanophile.
Example - "I campanophiled Fred..."

==== Background and History ====

As computers became more popular in the 1990’s a need was perceived to have user-submittable ringing data available on-line. A diary had been made available by Graham Nabb but this required notifying him of the event.

Anthony (Tony) Parry developed a system known as Campanophile which was publicly announced on 22 Dec 2000 whereby users could enter their own submissions which were then immediately viewable. However there were probably some teething problems and the earliest submitted date is a handbell peal of spliced minor rung at Harpenden on 18 June 2001. Thereafter the system appears to settle down.

As well as ringing performances Campanophile extended to allow users to enter Diary events, Notices, Bulletin Boards, a front page and several other features. Editors assisted with articles and content. A snapshot of the main page from June 2012 is shown
<gallery>
Campanophile-2012.jpg
</gallery>
. The system allowed entries to be forwarded to the Ringing World in a form suitable for typesetting.

Tony Parry was active on the email lists. In the early days pseudonyms were permitted and his postings were under the name of Gartenzwerg.

Tony had Motor Neurone Disease and there were concerns about what the future of Campanophile. On 12 January 2012, after the site had been unavailable for a few days, Tony announced “The Campanophile server is broken and I cannot fix it. Am currently
considering whether it is worth purchasing a new server.” At this stage, whilst the Ringing World were able to accept submissions via their site, it became apparent that the volume of data was going to cause a problem and at their behest Richard Smith quickly developed a system to permit direct entry. The system was called Bellboard. At around the same time as Bellboard went live Campanophile was revived on a new server. The existence of two databases caused consternation with some preferring one or the other and some seeing resilience in having more than one system. Bellboard soon developed the ability to read submissions made to Campanophile.

Nonetheless Tony’s condition continued to take its toll and he became unable to maintain Campanophile. Heroic efforts were made by David Simpson (Staffs) to work out how to keep the system going and indeed import data from Bellboard giving two way synchronisation but eventually Tony’s brother, David, announced that the domain and server facilities would not be renewed and that no more donations were to be submitted. The system closed down at the end of 2016. Tony died on 21st March 2019.

Campanophile

2020-02-24T10:28:26Z

TonyL: /* Background and History */

Campanophile1 '''''n''''' - The name of a once-popular ringing performance records website. www.campanophile.co.uk - now closed. Replaced by [[Bellboard]]

Campanophile2 '''''v''''' - To research someones previous ringing, using Campanophile.
Example - "I campanophiled Fred..."

==== Background and History ====

As computers became more popular in the 1990’s a need was perceived to have user-submittable ringing data available on-line. A diary had been made available by Graham Nabb but this required notifying him of the event.

Anthony (Tony) Parry developed a system known as Campanophile which was publicly announced on 22 Dec 2000 whereby users could enter their own submissions which were then immediately viewable. However there were probably some teething problems and the earliest submitted date is a handbell peal of spliced minor rung at Harpenden on 18 June 2001. Thereafter the system appears to settle down.

As well as ringing performances Campanophile extended to allow users to enter Diary events, Notices, Bulletin Boards, a front page and several other features. Editors assisted with articles and content. A snapshot of the main page from June 2012 is shown [File:Campanophile-2012.jpg]. The system allowed entries to be forwarded to the Ringing World in a form suitable for typesetting.

Tony Parry was active on the email lists. In the early days pseudonyms were permitted and his postings were under the name of Gartenzwerg.

Tony had Motor Neurone Disease and there were concerns about what the future of Campanophile. On 12 January 2012, after the site had been unavailable for a few days, Tony announced “The Campanophile server is broken and I cannot fix it. Am currently
considering whether it is worth purchasing a new server.” At this stage, whilst the Ringing World were able to accept submissions via their site, it became apparent that the volume of data was going to cause a problem and at their behest Richard Smith quickly developed a system to permit direct entry. The system was called Bellboard. At around the same time as Bellboard went live Campanophile was revived on a new server. The existence of two databases caused consternation with some preferring one or the other and some seeing resilience in having more than one system. Bellboard soon developed the ability to read submissions made to Campanophile.

Nonetheless Tony’s condition continued to take its toll and he became unable to maintain Campanophile. Heroic efforts were made by David Simpson (Staffs) to work out how to keep the system going and indeed import data from Bellboard giving two way synchronisation but eventually Tony’s brother, David, announced that the domain and server facilities would not be renewed and that no more donations were to be submitted. The system closed down at the end of 2016. Tony died on 21st March 2019.

Campanophile

2020-02-24T10:27:02Z

TonyL: /* Background and History */

Campanophile1 '''''n''''' - The name of a once-popular ringing performance records website. www.campanophile.co.uk - now closed. Replaced by [[Bellboard]]

Campanophile2 '''''v''''' - To research someones previous ringing, using Campanophile.
Example - "I campanophiled Fred..."

==== Background and History ====

As computers became more popular in the 1990’s a need was perceived to have user-submittable ringing data available on-line. A diary had been made available by Graham Nabb but this required notifying him of the event.

Anthony (Tony) Parry developed a system known as Campanophile which was publicly announced on 22 Dec 2000 whereby users could enter their own submissions which were then immediately viewable. However there were probably some teething problems and the earliest submitted date is a handbell peal of spliced minor rung at Harpenden on 18 June 2001. Thereafter the system appears to settle down.

As well as ringing performances Campanophile extended to allow users to enter Diary events, Notices, Bulletin Boards, a front page and several other features. Editors assisted with articles and content. A snapshot of the main page from June 2012 is shown [[File:Campanophile-2012.jpg]]. The system allowed entries to be forwarded to the Ringing World in a form suitable for typesetting.

Tony Parry was active on the email lists. In the early days pseudonyms were permitted and his postings were under the name of Gartenzwerg.

Tony had Motor Neurone Disease and there were concerns about what the future of Campanophile. On 12 January 2012, after the site had been unavailable for a few days, Tony announced “The Campanophile server is broken and I cannot fix it. Am currently
considering whether it is worth purchasing a new server.” At this stage, whilst the Ringing World were able to accept submissions via their site, it became apparent that the volume of data was going to cause a problem and at their behest Richard Smith quickly developed a system to permit direct entry. The system was called Bellboard. At around the same time as Bellboard went live Campanophile was revived on a new server. The existence of two databases caused consternation with some preferring one or the other and some seeing resilience in having more than one system. Bellboard soon developed the ability to read submissions made to Campanophile.

Nonetheless Tony’s condition continued to take its toll and he became unable to maintain Campanophile. Heroic efforts were made by David Simpson (Staffs) to work out how to keep the system going and indeed import data from Bellboard giving two way synchronisation but eventually Tony’s brother, David, announced that the domain and server facilities would not be renewed and that no more donations were to be submitted. The system closed down at the end of 2016. Tony died on 21st March 2019.

Campanophile

2020-02-24T10:25:29Z

TonyL: /* Background and History */

Campanophile1 '''''n''''' - The name of a once-popular ringing performance records website. www.campanophile.co.uk - now closed. Replaced by [[Bellboard]]

Campanophile2 '''''v''''' - To research someones previous ringing, using Campanophile.
Example - "I campanophiled Fred..."

==== Background and History ====

As computers became more popular in the 1990’s a need was perceived to have user-submittable ringing data available on-line. A diary had been made available by Graham Nabb but this required notifying him of the event.

Anthony (Tony) Parry developed a system known as Campanophile which was publicly announced on 22 Dec 2000 whereby users could enter their own submissions which were then immediately viewable. However there were probably some teething problems and the earliest submitted date is a handbell peal of spliced minor rung at Harpenden on 18 June 2001. Thereafter the system appears to settle down.

As well as ringing performances Campanophile extended to allow users to enter Diary events, Notices, Bulletin Boards, a front page and several other features. Editors assisted with articles and content. A snapshot of the main page from June 2012 is shown [[Media:Campanophile-Jun2012.jpg.ogg]]. The system allowed entries to be forwarded to the Ringing World in a form suitable for typesetting.

Tony Parry was active on the email lists. In the early days pseudonyms were permitted and his postings were under the name of Gartenzwerg.

Tony had Motor Neurone Disease and there were concerns about what the future of Campanophile. On 12 January 2012, after the site had been unavailable for a few days, Tony announced “The Campanophile server is broken and I cannot fix it. Am currently
considering whether it is worth purchasing a new server.” At this stage, whilst the Ringing World were able to accept submissions via their site, it became apparent that the volume of data was going to cause a problem and at their behest Richard Smith quickly developed a system to permit direct entry. The system was called Bellboard. At around the same time as Bellboard went live Campanophile was revived on a new server. The existence of two databases caused consternation with some preferring one or the other and some seeing resilience in having more than one system. Bellboard soon developed the ability to read submissions made to Campanophile.

Nonetheless Tony’s condition continued to take its toll and he became unable to maintain Campanophile. Heroic efforts were made by David Simpson (Staffs) to work out how to keep the system going and indeed import data from Bellboard giving two way synchronisation but eventually Tony’s brother, David, announced that the domain and server facilities would not be renewed and that no more donations were to be submitted. The system closed down at the end of 2016. Tony died on 21st March 2019.

Campanophile

2020-02-24T10:23:32Z

TonyL: /* Background and History */

Campanophile1 '''''n''''' - The name of a once-popular ringing performance records website. www.campanophile.co.uk - now closed. Replaced by [[Bellboard]]

Campanophile2 '''''v''''' - To research someones previous ringing, using Campanophile.
Example - "I campanophiled Fred..."

==== Background and History ====

As computers became more popular in the 1990’s a need was perceived to have user-submittable ringing data available on-line. A diary had been made available by Graham Nabb but this required notifying him of the event.

Anthony (Tony) Parry developed a system known as Campanophile which was publicly announced on 22 Dec 2000 whereby users could enter their own submissions which were then immediately viewable. However there were probably some teething problems and the earliest submitted date is a handbell peal of spliced minor rung at Harpenden on 18 June 2001. Thereafter the system appears to settle down.

As well as ringing performances Campanophile extended to allow users to enter Diary events, Notices, Bulletin Boards, a front page and several other features. Editors assisted with articles and content. A snapshot of the main page from June 2012 is shown [[Media:Campanophile-Jun2012.ogg]]. The system allowed entries to be forwarded to the Ringing World in a form suitable for typesetting.

Tony Parry was active on the email lists. In the early days pseudonyms were permitted and his postings were under the name of Gartenzwerg.

Tony had Motor Neurone Disease and there were concerns about what the future of Campanophile. On 12 January 2012, after the site had been unavailable for a few days, Tony announced “The Campanophile server is broken and I cannot fix it. Am currently
considering whether it is worth purchasing a new server.” At this stage, whilst the Ringing World were able to accept submissions via their site, it became apparent that the volume of data was going to cause a problem and at their behest Richard Smith quickly developed a system to permit direct entry. The system was called Bellboard. At around the same time as Bellboard went live Campanophile was revived on a new server. The existence of two databases caused consternation with some preferring one or the other and some seeing resilience in having more than one system. Bellboard soon developed the ability to read submissions made to Campanophile.

Nonetheless Tony’s condition continued to take its toll and he became unable to maintain Campanophile. Heroic efforts were made by David Simpson (Staffs) to work out how to keep the system going and indeed import data from Bellboard giving two way synchronisation but eventually Tony’s brother, David, announced that the domain and server facilities would not be renewed and that no more donations were to be submitted. The system closed down at the end of 2016. Tony died on 21st March 2019.

File:Campanophile-Jun2012.jpg

2020-02-24T10:20:18Z

TonyL: Snapshot of the main page of Campanophile from June 2012

== Summary ==
Snapshot of the main page of Campanophile from June 2012

Campanophile

2020-02-24T10:09:00Z

TonyL: Campanophile details

Campanophile1 '''''n''''' - The name of a once-popular ringing performance records website. www.campanophile.co.uk - now closed. Replaced by [[Bellboard]]

Campanophile2 '''''v''''' - To research someones previous ringing, using Campanophile.
Example - "I campanophiled Fred..."

==== Background and History ====

As computers became more popular in the 1990’s a need was perceived to have user-submittable ringing data available on-line. A diary had been made available by Graham Nabb but this required notifying him of the event.

Anthony (Tony) Parry developed a system known as Campanophile which was publicly announced on 22 Dec 2000 whereby users could enter their own submissions which were then immediately viewable. However there were probably some teething problems and the earliest submitted date is a handbell peal of spliced minor rung at Harpenden on 18 June 2001. Thereafter the system appears to settle down.

As well as ringing performances Campanophile extended to allow users to enter Diary events, Notices, Bulletin Boards, a front page and several other features. Editors assisted with articles and content. A snapshot of the main page from June 2012 is shown. The system allowed entries to be forwarded to the Ringing World in a form suitable for typesetting.

Tony Parry was active on the email lists. In the early days pseudonyms were permitted and his postings were under the name of Gartenzwerg.

Tony had Motor Neurone Disease and there were concerns about what the future of Campanophile. On 12 January 2012, after the site had been unavailable for a few days, Tony announced “The Campanophile server is broken and I cannot fix it. Am currently
considering whether it is worth purchasing a new server.” At this stage, whilst the Ringing World were able to accept submissions via their site, it became apparent that the volume of data was going to cause a problem and at their behest Richard Smith quickly developed a system to permit direct entry. The system was called Bellboard. At around the same time as Bellboard went live Campanophile was revived on a new server. The existence of two databases caused consternation with some preferring one or the other and some seeing resilience in having more than one system. Bellboard soon developed the ability to read submissions made to Campanophile.

Nonetheless Tony’s condition continued to take its toll and he became unable to maintain Campanophile. Heroic efforts were made by David Simpson (Staffs) to work out how to keep the system going and indeed import data from Bellboard giving two way synchronisation but eventually Tony’s brother, David, announced that the domain and server facilities would not be renewed and that no more donations were to be submitted. The system closed down at the end of 2016. Tony died on 21st March 2019.

User talk:GACJ

2020-02-23T13:59:02Z

TonyL: /* HTML */ new section

Please add any comments here using the + button above:

== General points on new wiki ==

1) On creating I received the following with reference to my email littlebobmajor@yahoo.co.uk

Could not send confirmation mail. Check address for invalid characters.

Mailer returned: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. Please use the date.timezone setting, the TZ environment variable or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'Europe/London' for '1.0/DST' instead
Welcome, TonyL!

''Thanks. I'll look into this. It may be a configuration file setting - It is, and one the hosting company doesn't allow me to change!''

2) The old wiki had an Index page. Is it intended to use and add Categories to all pages or to attempt some other form of grouping?

''I have added a table of contents at the bottom of the home page. It can be edited in the Template:Navigation''

3) Is RSS support (readily) available?

''If you click on recent changes, an RSS button appears in the toolbox. Click on this and you can subscribe''

Regards

Tony Lees

== Next Step ==

I think have succeeded in creating a page about University of London Society of Change Ringers but what is the next step to get this catagorised/recognised/linked to... ? Thanks

''Thanks for the contribution. Here are a few pointers:-''

''1) You added the content in your User page which is intended for content about you. The easiest way to create a new page is to type its title in the search box. When the wiki doesn't find it, it gives you the option to create it. I have already moved this to [[University of London Society of Change Ringers]] for you.''

''2) You can add entries to the Table of Contents by editing [[Template:Navigation]]. I have added the ULSCR entry for you.''

''3) Because you have edited this from your Wikipedia entry, a number of the links are internal to Wikipedia, so don't work here. Review all the words on your page that are highlighted in Red. You can do one of the following: create an external (rather than internal) link to the Wikipedia entry, create an equivalent page in the Changeringing wiki if appropriate, or substitute the link for text.''

''4) The two Templates Reflist and Gutenburg are not set up in this wiki. You can either create them, or change the text to avoid referring to them. More help on topics like this can be found at [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents Wikimedia]. For a way of including references using ref tags, see how this is done by going into edit on the [[Old Societies]] page''

''5) The Wikipedia entry has a photo of Hart Street church. You can upload photos to this wiki and include them in you pages - see [[Help:Contents]] for more details.''

== Altering a Page Name ==

I've just set up a page named "Bells & Fittings: Wheels" which I should have called just "Wheels". How do I correct this? The normal Edit facility only allows me to change the content, not the page name.
Regards, John Norris

''You can rename a page using the move tab at the top of the page.''

== Image maintenance ==

File:Bastow42.png is un-used and can be deleted.

Thank you

''Deleted 12/05/13.''

== New page for Main_Page "Conducting" section. ==

Cannot edit Main_Page, would like to add:

http://wiki.changeringing.co.uk/Conducting_Plain_Bob_Doubles:_See_The_Complete_Picture

[[Conducting_Plain_Bob_Doubles:_See_The_Complete_Picture]]

To the "Conducting" section.

== HTML ==

I have some HTML pages I'd like to add. They are saved pages of the Campanophile main screen when it was still active and whilst I can take jpgs it would be nice to actually have a part working (local links only, I'll neutralise* the links to campanophile.co.uk) system especially as it is framed.

* Any clues on how best to stop the links short of editing every one out? I've tried localhost which works to a point.

Notable Achievements

2020-01-12T21:15:39Z

TonyL: /* Four in hand */

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the '''first person to ring 5,000 peals''', all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013 and his 7,000th peal on 24 December 2016.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the '''first lady to reach 4000 peals''' with a peal at [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=13973 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the '''first person to reach 1000 peals'''. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the '''youngest person to ring a 1000 peals''' on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the '''fastest person to ring 1000 Peals''' (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1061557 Thorverton, Devon] on the 8th December 2007, and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997. He also became the '''fastest person to ring 2000 Peals''' (in 13yr 3mth) by ringing in a Peal at Bishops-Ting-Tong, Devon on the 17th April 2012 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=132938] surpassing '''Peter G C Ellis' ''' previous record of 13yr 11mth.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Ruth Curtis''' became the '''first lady to ring 5000 peals''' on Saturday, 23 December 2017 ringing the 2nd to London S Royal at Nottingham St Mary and surpassing Elizabeth Bowden's total. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1204637]

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Paul J Pascoe (13yr 3mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|-
|7000th
| Colin M Turner (2016)
| Colin M Turner (40yr 10mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers (2365 by July 2018) and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers (1854 by June 2015).

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1133244]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1127231]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1059467 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1062189 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at October 2017 he has rung a total of 66 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), the Standard 8 Major, 3 Spliced S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and 574 quarter peals (a few of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, all of the standard 8 Surprise Royal and the Surprise Royal alphabet, Grandsire Cinques and several of Yorkshire and Cambridge Max (see Bellboard for most recent performances). Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1084325 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors.

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing a few weeks before her 50th birthday, and rang her first peals on tower bells ([https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1239504 inside to Yorkshire S Major]) and handbells ([https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1239503 1-2 to Oxford TB Major]) in 1995. She has rung peals of Glasgow S Major, and Belfast S Major, on both tower bells and handbells; of Horton's Four and Pitman's Four on tower bells; peals of Spliced Surprise on both tower and handbells including Norman Smith's atw 23 Spliced Surprise Major and the "standard" 41 spliced Surprise Minor. She has also rung Richard Pearce's atw 23 Spliced Surprise Major and 42 irregular Surprise Minor on tower bells, and multi-method peals of Surprise Minor on handbells in from 7 to 57 methods. In all, she had rung 149 tower-bell peals by 2012, when her Parkinson's Disease was diagnosed, and 118 handbell peals by 2016.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012. At the same tower exactly a year later, aged 10, he rang the 3rd to a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=316641 Bristol Surprise Maximus].

'''Alfred G W Pipe''' rang his first peal being Bristol S Major [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1019542]on Tuesday, 2 August 2016 at Histon, Cambs and subsequently his first on 12 being 5042 Cambridge Surprise [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1189134] at University Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge on Thursday, 21 September 2017 at the age of 12. A few weeks later on Thursday, 12 October 2017 ringing the 3rd again at the same tower he scored a 5040 of Bristol S Maximus [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1191777]. A number of family handbell peals over the years had preceded these performances.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield. His first peal on 12 was a peal of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=333792 Bristol Maximus] at Stockton-on-Tees, at the age of 11. His first peal as conductor was [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=465478 Stedman Cinques] aged 12 years and 11 months, thus probably being the youngest person to call both a 12-bell peal and a peal of Stedman.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe, who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

The youngest band to ring a towerbell peal at the time was rung on 21 April 1934 at Crayford, Kent, of 5024 Plain Bob Major: 1 Percy Stone, 2 Arthur W Jones, 3 Phyllis E Tillet, 4 Walter H Dobbie, 5 Margaret Pack, 6 John J L Gilbert (Cond), 7 Joseph T Pack, 8 Edwin A Barnett. Average age 15 years.

The youngest 6-bell peal was rung on 15 December 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon, of 5040 Plain Bob Minor RW1980/66: 1 Alex F Byrne (1st peal 9y 243d), 2 Carole A Carey (12y 324d), 3 Teresa K Packer (1st peal 13y 56d), 4 Peter Bladon (11y 360d), 5 Helen Bladon (13y 20d), 6 Gary P Exell (Cond 12y 290d). Average age 12 years 94 days.

The youngest 8-bell peal was rung on 27 November 1982 at Tetbury, Gloucestershire, of 5056 Plain Bob Major RW1983/82: 1 Elizabeth Turner (1st peal 13y 302d), 2 Neil Marshman (1st peal 14y 149d), Matthew P Connock (11y 201d), Alex F Byrne (12y 225d), Carole A Carey (15y 306d), Peter Bladon (14y 342d), Stephen J Bucknell (16y 140d), Gary P Exell (Cond 15y 272d). Rung by resident members of the Gloucestershire & Bristol Diocesan Association with an average age of 14 years and 151 days.

The youngest 8-bell peal of Surprise was rung on 23 October 1982 at Knowle, West Midlands, of 5024 Cambridge Surprise Major {RW1982/947}: John R Martin (18y 204d), Paul McNutt (15y 102d), Ian McNutt (15y 102d), Ian Wilgress (1st peal 16y 276d), Mark S Gilthorpe (17y 349d), Elizabeth Anderson (16y 265d), David J Pipe (14y 260d), Gary P Exell (Cond 15y 237d). Average age 16 years 133 days.

The youngest 10-bell peal was rung on 7 January 2018 at St Paul's, Birmingham, of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1206415 5042 Cambridge Surprise Royal]: 1 James P Town, 2 Daniel J Page, 3 Alfred G W Pipe, 4 Alex S Riley (C), 5 Jack L Edwards, 6 Henry J W Pipe, 7 Luke S P Riley, 8 Anna E Sherwood, 9 William M Regan, 10 Ewan G A Hull. The average age of the band was 15 years 322 days.

The youngest 12-bell peal was rung on 21 January 2018 at Melbourne, Derbyshire, of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1209822 5042 Cambridge Surprise Maximus]: 1 James P Town, 2 Alex S Riley (C), 3 Daniel J Page, 4 Jack L Edwards, 5 Henry J W Pipe, 6 Alfred G W Pipe, 7 Andrew D Meyer, 8 Luke S P Riley, 9 Matthew S Pearson, 10 Anna E Sherwood, 11 Ewan G A Hull, 12 William M Regan. The average age of the band was 15 years 341 days. This peal was also notable as being Andrew Meyer's 2nd peal and his first on more than 6 bells. The previous record was set on 2 January 1984 with a peal of 5042 Cambridge S Maximus at All Saints, Worcester: 1 Stephen J Mills (13); 2 Wendy B Smith (18); 3 Julia R Cater (13); 4 Ian McNutt (16); 5 Elizabeth Anderson (17); 6 Jonathan K F Tait (16); 7 Alison J Cox (18); 8 Paul McNutt (16); 9 Martin A Smith (15); 10 David J Garton (19); 11 Andrew B Mills (16); 12 David J Pipe (C) (15). Average age 16.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=421200 Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow] at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1101561 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=131688 Grandsire Triples], at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=389649 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

'''Ewan G A Hull''' conducted his first peal, which was also his first of Cinques, being [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=465478 Stedman] at St Magnus the Martyr, London on Saturday 30 May 2015, aged 12.

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 28 Oct 2000
| Christopher H Barrett
| Reading, St Laurence
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=420995 22 Sep 2001]
| Matthew E Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Bristol S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919628 9 Nov 2002]
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919309 9 Nov 2002]
| Dorothy M Hudson
| South Petherton
| Plain B Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=920144 11 Jan 2003]
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=25534 22 May 2004]
| Becky L Dunnett
| South Petherton
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=129488 25 Feb 2006]
| Louise C Palmer
| Southwark Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=55665 14 Oct 2006]
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=913304 18 Oct 2008]
| Lucy J Clark
| Southampton, Bitterne Park
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=6087 8 Aug 2010]
| Jennifer S Mackley
| New York, Trinity Church
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=7804 11 Sep 2010]
| Harriet S E Mather
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Mather D Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=16794 14 Feb 2011]
| Charlotte H Stansbury
| Hursley
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124605 12 Nov 2011]
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=943578 10 Jan 2015]
| Caroline A Prescott
| Guildford Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (3m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=471297 11 Jul 2015]
| Ewan Grant-Richardson
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Most Quarter Peals in a day==

In December 2013 the change-ringers list discussed the record for Quarter Peals in one day. It is likely that the number stands at 28 rung within a 24hr period performed at Mablethorpe and there is a footnote to a [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=67404 2007 quarter peal] "In affectionate memory of Keith N Buckingham, immediate past master of the Lincoln DGCBR. Keith was a member of the band in the successful world record attempt, ringing 28 quarter peals in 24 hours on these bells."

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1142106] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

'''Simon Melen''' chose Orion S Maximus for his first attempt at a double-handed peal ringing 3-4 at Melbourne for his 1,000th peal on Saturday 30th December 2017 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1205499]. He had taken advantage of practising on the simulator at Ticknall (10) which had been installed at the insistence of a local ringer, Ken Ballington, who sadly died shortly before this performance.

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=262936] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1055328] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1083506] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eighth attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===First Handbell Peal===

On Wednesday 21 June 2017, Pip Dillistone rang 3-4 to a peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus, his first handbell peal. Prior to this, he had minimal experience of ringing on handbells at all, other than using a simulator, having rung just four handbell quarter peals. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1177312]

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Heaviest Bells Rung to a Handbell Peal===

The range of tenor size for handbell peals is typically size 8 to size 18 although peals on higher numbers require larger sets of bells sometimes with a larger tenor. For example the first peals of Kent Sixteen and Little Bob Twenty-two both used a tenor size 22. However, on 2 February 1925 in two hours and 35 minutes, a peal of 5040 Stedman Triples was rung in St Margaret's Ringing Room, Leicester with a tenor size of 26 in G. 1-2 Harold J Poole (conductor) 3-4 Edward Whitehead 5-6 Ernest Morris 7-8 Josiah Morris [RW1925/102]. A report in the Ringing World on this peal [RW1925/104] stated that the previous records, both with a size 22 tenor, were Grandsire Triples on 20 April 1888 at Ipswich and Stedman Triples on 13 May 1914 at Guildford. Another peal was rung using a tenor size 26 in G, against in the ringing room of St Margaret's Leicester, but this time 5008 Plain Bob Major in 2 hours 34 minutes 1-2 Ernest Morris 3-4 John M Jelley (conductor) 5-6 John A Acres 7-8 Robert B Smith [RW 1961/346 comment 349]. This being the heaviest tenor ever turned in to a peal.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E]. On Monday, 30 December 2019, as a birthday treat, '''Simon Melen''' [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1317221 rang 7-8-9-10 to Orion Maximus]

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

On Change-Ringers chat Don Morrison reported in January 2020 that '''Frank King''' rang a peal of minimus by himself a long time ago (1950s?) with an Umpire. At that time the Central Council did not approve the performance

On Tuesday 3rd December 2019 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1313234 '''Samuel M Senior'''] rang a quarter peal of Plain Bob Minimus in Southampton.

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

== Footbell Performances ==

'''Anthony Parry''' rang a quarter peal of Plain Bob Minor using Pedalognomes driven by his feet on Sunday, 28 November 2010 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=12758]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2020-01-03T10:31:35Z

TonyL: /Orion four in hand/

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the '''first person to ring 5,000 peals''', all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013 and his 7,000th peal on 24 December 2016.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the '''first lady to reach 4000 peals''' with a peal at [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=13973 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the '''first person to reach 1000 peals'''. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the '''youngest person to ring a 1000 peals''' on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the '''fastest person to ring 1000 Peals''' (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1061557 Thorverton, Devon] on the 8th December 2007, and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997. He also became the '''fastest person to ring 2000 Peals''' (in 13yr 3mth) by ringing in a Peal at Bishops-Ting-Tong, Devon on the 17th April 2012 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=132938] surpassing '''Peter G C Ellis' ''' previous record of 13yr 11mth.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Ruth Curtis''' became the '''first lady to ring 5000 peals''' on Saturday, 23 December 2017 ringing the 2nd to London S Royal at Nottingham St Mary and surpassing Elizabeth Bowden's total. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1204637]

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Paul J Pascoe (13yr 3mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|-
|7000th
| Colin M Turner (2016)
| Colin M Turner (40yr 10mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers (2365 by July 2018) and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers (1854 by June 2015).

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1133244]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1127231]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1059467 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1062189 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at October 2017 he has rung a total of 66 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), the Standard 8 Major, 3 Spliced S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and 574 quarter peals (a few of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, all of the standard 8 Surprise Royal and the Surprise Royal alphabet, Grandsire Cinques and several of Yorkshire and Cambridge Max (see Bellboard for most recent performances). Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1084325 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors.

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing a few weeks before her 50th birthday, and rang her first peals on tower bells ([https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1239504 inside to Yorkshire S Major]) and handbells ([https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1239503 1-2 to Oxford TB Major]) in 1995. She has rung peals of Glasgow S Major, and Belfast S Major, on both tower bells and handbells; of Horton's Four and Pitman's Four on tower bells; peals of Spliced Surprise on both tower and handbells including Norman Smith's atw 23 Spliced Surprise Major and the "standard" 41 spliced Surprise Minor. She has also rung Richard Pearce's atw 23 Spliced Surprise Major and 42 irregular Surprise Minor on tower bells, and multi-method peals of Surprise Minor on handbells in from 7 to 57 methods. In all, she had rung 149 tower-bell peals by 2012, when her Parkinson's Disease was diagnosed, and 118 handbell peals by 2016.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012. At the same tower exactly a year later, aged 10, he rang the 3rd to a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=316641 Bristol Surprise Maximus].

'''Alfred G W Pipe''' rang his first peal being Bristol S Major [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1019542]on Tuesday, 2 August 2016 at Histon, Cambs and subsequently his first on 12 being 5042 Cambridge Surprise [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1189134] at University Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge on Thursday, 21 September 2017 at the age of 12. A few weeks later on Thursday, 12 October 2017 ringing the 3rd again at the same tower he scored a 5040 of Bristol S Maximus [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1191777]. A number of family handbell peals over the years had preceded these performances.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield. His first peal on 12 was a peal of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=333792 Bristol Maximus] at Stockton-on-Tees, at the age of 11. His first peal as conductor was [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=465478 Stedman Cinques] aged 12 years and 11 months, thus probably being the youngest person to call both a 12-bell peal and a peal of Stedman.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe, who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

The youngest band to ring a towerbell peal at the time was rung on 21 April 1934 at Crayford, Kent, of 5024 Plain Bob Major: 1 Percy Stone, 2 Arthur W Jones, 3 Phyllis E Tillet, 4 Walter H Dobbie, 5 Margaret Pack, 6 John J L Gilbert (Cond), 7 Joseph T Pack, 8 Edwin A Barnett. Average age 15 years.

The youngest 6-bell peal was rung on 15 December 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon, of 5040 Plain Bob Minor RW1980/66: 1 Alex F Byrne (1st peal 9y 243d), 2 Carole A Carey (12y 324d), 3 Teresa K Packer (1st peal 13y 56d), 4 Peter Bladon (11y 360d), 5 Helen Bladon (13y 20d), 6 Gary P Exell (Cond 12y 290d). Average age 12 years 94 days.

The youngest 8-bell peal was rung on 27 November 1982 at Tetbury, Gloucestershire, of 5056 Plain Bob Major RW1983/82: 1 Elizabeth Turner (1st peal 13y 302d), 2 Neil Marshman (1st peal 14y 149d), Matthew P Connock (11y 201d), Alex F Byrne (12y 225d), Carole A Carey (15y 306d), Peter Bladon (14y 342d), Stephen J Bucknell (16y 140d), Gary P Exell (Cond 15y 272d). Rung by resident members of the Gloucestershire & Bristol Diocesan Association with an average age of 14 years and 151 days.

The youngest 8-bell peal of Surprise was rung on 23 October 1982 at Knowle, West Midlands, of 5024 Cambridge Surprise Major {RW1982/947}: John R Martin (18y 204d), Paul McNutt (15y 102d), Ian McNutt (15y 102d), Ian Wilgress (1st peal 16y 276d), Mark S Gilthorpe (17y 349d), Elizabeth Anderson (16y 265d), David J Pipe (14y 260d), Gary P Exell (Cond 15y 237d). Average age 16 years 133 days.

The youngest 10-bell peal was rung on 7 January 2018 at St Paul's, Birmingham, of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1206415 5042 Cambridge Surprise Royal]: 1 James P Town, 2 Daniel J Page, 3 Alfred G W Pipe, 4 Alex S Riley (C), 5 Jack L Edwards, 6 Henry J W Pipe, 7 Luke S P Riley, 8 Anna E Sherwood, 9 William M Regan, 10 Ewan G A Hull. The average age of the band was 15 years 322 days.

The youngest 12-bell peal was rung on 21 January 2018 at Melbourne, Derbyshire, of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1209822 5042 Cambridge Surprise Maximus]: 1 James P Town, 2 Alex S Riley (C), 3 Daniel J Page, 4 Jack L Edwards, 5 Henry J W Pipe, 6 Alfred G W Pipe, 7 Andrew D Meyer, 8 Luke S P Riley, 9 Matthew S Pearson, 10 Anna E Sherwood, 11 Ewan G A Hull, 12 William M Regan. The average age of the band was 15 years 341 days. This peal was also notable as being Andrew Meyer's 2nd peal and his first on more than 6 bells. The previous record was set on 2 January 1984 with a peal of 5042 Cambridge S Maximus at All Saints, Worcester: 1 Stephen J Mills (13); 2 Wendy B Smith (18); 3 Julia R Cater (13); 4 Ian McNutt (16); 5 Elizabeth Anderson (17); 6 Jonathan K F Tait (16); 7 Alison J Cox (18); 8 Paul McNutt (16); 9 Martin A Smith (15); 10 David J Garton (19); 11 Andrew B Mills (16); 12 David J Pipe (C) (15). Average age 16.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=421200 Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow] at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1101561 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=131688 Grandsire Triples], at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=389649 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

'''Ewan G A Hull''' conducted his first peal, which was also his first of Cinques, being [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=465478 Stedman] at St Magnus the Martyr, London on Saturday 30 May 2015, aged 12.

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 28 Oct 2000
| Christopher H Barrett
| Reading, St Laurence
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=420995 22 Sep 2001]
| Matthew E Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Bristol S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919628 9 Nov 2002]
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919309 9 Nov 2002]
| Dorothy M Hudson
| South Petherton
| Plain B Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=920144 11 Jan 2003]
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=25534 22 May 2004]
| Becky L Dunnett
| South Petherton
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=129488 25 Feb 2006]
| Louise C Palmer
| Southwark Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=55665 14 Oct 2006]
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=913304 18 Oct 2008]
| Lucy J Clark
| Southampton, Bitterne Park
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=6087 8 Aug 2010]
| Jennifer S Mackley
| New York, Trinity Church
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=7804 11 Sep 2010]
| Harriet S E Mather
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Mather D Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=16794 14 Feb 2011]
| Charlotte H Stansbury
| Hursley
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124605 12 Nov 2011]
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=943578 10 Jan 2015]
| Caroline A Prescott
| Guildford Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (3m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=471297 11 Jul 2015]
| Ewan Grant-Richardson
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Most Quarter Peals in a day==

In December 2013 the change-ringers list discussed the record for Quarter Peals in one day. It is likely that the number stands at 28 rung within a 24hr period performed at Mablethorpe and there is a footnote to a [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=67404 2007 quarter peal] "In affectionate memory of Keith N Buckingham, immediate past master of the Lincoln DGCBR. Keith was a member of the band in the successful world record attempt, ringing 28 quarter peals in 24 hours on these bells."

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1142106] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

'''Simon Melen''' chose Orion S Maximus for his first attempt at a double-handed peal ringing 3-4 at Melbourne for his 1,000th peal on Saturday 30th December 2017 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1205499]. He had taken advantage of practising on the simulator at Ticknall (10) which had been installed at the insistence of a local ringer, Ken Ballington, who sadly died shortly before this performance.

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=262936] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1055328] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1083506] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eighth attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===First Handbell Peal===

On Wednesday 21 June 2017, Pip Dillistone rang 3-4 to a peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus, his first handbell peal. Prior to this, he had minimal experience of ringing on handbells at all, other than using a simulator, having rung just four handbell quarter peals. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1177312]

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Heaviest Bells Rung to a Handbell Peal===

The range of tenor size for handbell peals is typically size 8 to size 18 although peals on higher numbers require larger sets of bells sometimes with a larger tenor. For example the first peals of Kent Sixteen and Little Bob Twenty-two both used a tenor size 22. However, on 2 February 1925 in two hours and 35 minutes, a peal of 5040 Stedman Triples was rung in St Margaret's Ringing Room, Leicester with a tenor size of 26 in G. 1-2 Harold J Poole (conductor) 3-4 Edward Whitehead 5-6 Ernest Morris 7-8 Josiah Morris [RW1925/102]. A report in the Ringing World on this peal [RW1925/104] stated that the previous records, both with a size 22 tenor, were Grandsire Triples on 20 April 1888 at Ipswich and Stedman Triples on 13 May 1914 at Guildford. Another peal was rung using a tenor size 26 in G, against in the ringing room of St Margaret's Leicester, but this time 5008 Plain Bob Major in 2 hours 34 minutes 1-2 Ernest Morris 3-4 John M Jelley (conductor) 5-6 John A Acres 7-8 Robert B Smith [RW 1961/346 comment 349]. This being the heaviest tenor ever turned in to a peal.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E]. On Monday, 30 December 2019, as a birthday treat, '''Simon Melen''' [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1317221 rang 7-8-9-10 to Orion Maximus]

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

== Footbell Performances ==

'''Anthony Parry''' rang a quarter peal of Plain Bob Minor using Pedalognomes driven by his feet on Sunday, 28 November 2010 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=12758]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2020-01-03T10:17:04Z

TonyL: Added Footbell

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the '''first person to ring 5,000 peals''', all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013 and his 7,000th peal on 24 December 2016.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the '''first lady to reach 4000 peals''' with a peal at [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=13973 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the '''first person to reach 1000 peals'''. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the '''youngest person to ring a 1000 peals''' on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the '''fastest person to ring 1000 Peals''' (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1061557 Thorverton, Devon] on the 8th December 2007, and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997. He also became the '''fastest person to ring 2000 Peals''' (in 13yr 3mth) by ringing in a Peal at Bishops-Ting-Tong, Devon on the 17th April 2012 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=132938] surpassing '''Peter G C Ellis' ''' previous record of 13yr 11mth.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Ruth Curtis''' became the '''first lady to ring 5000 peals''' on Saturday, 23 December 2017 ringing the 2nd to London S Royal at Nottingham St Mary and surpassing Elizabeth Bowden's total. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1204637]

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Paul J Pascoe (13yr 3mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|-
|7000th
| Colin M Turner (2016)
| Colin M Turner (40yr 10mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers (2365 by July 2018) and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers (1854 by June 2015).

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1133244]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1127231]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1059467 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1062189 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at October 2017 he has rung a total of 66 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), the Standard 8 Major, 3 Spliced S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and 574 quarter peals (a few of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, all of the standard 8 Surprise Royal and the Surprise Royal alphabet, Grandsire Cinques and several of Yorkshire and Cambridge Max (see Bellboard for most recent performances). Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1084325 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors.

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing a few weeks before her 50th birthday, and rang her first peals on tower bells ([https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1239504 inside to Yorkshire S Major]) and handbells ([https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1239503 1-2 to Oxford TB Major]) in 1995. She has rung peals of Glasgow S Major, and Belfast S Major, on both tower bells and handbells; of Horton's Four and Pitman's Four on tower bells; peals of Spliced Surprise on both tower and handbells including Norman Smith's atw 23 Spliced Surprise Major and the "standard" 41 spliced Surprise Minor. She has also rung Richard Pearce's atw 23 Spliced Surprise Major and 42 irregular Surprise Minor on tower bells, and multi-method peals of Surprise Minor on handbells in from 7 to 57 methods. In all, she had rung 149 tower-bell peals by 2012, when her Parkinson's Disease was diagnosed, and 118 handbell peals by 2016.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012. At the same tower exactly a year later, aged 10, he rang the 3rd to a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=316641 Bristol Surprise Maximus].

'''Alfred G W Pipe''' rang his first peal being Bristol S Major [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1019542]on Tuesday, 2 August 2016 at Histon, Cambs and subsequently his first on 12 being 5042 Cambridge Surprise [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1189134] at University Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge on Thursday, 21 September 2017 at the age of 12. A few weeks later on Thursday, 12 October 2017 ringing the 3rd again at the same tower he scored a 5040 of Bristol S Maximus [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1191777]. A number of family handbell peals over the years had preceded these performances.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield. His first peal on 12 was a peal of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=333792 Bristol Maximus] at Stockton-on-Tees, at the age of 11. His first peal as conductor was [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=465478 Stedman Cinques] aged 12 years and 11 months, thus probably being the youngest person to call both a 12-bell peal and a peal of Stedman.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe, who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

The youngest band to ring a towerbell peal at the time was rung on 21 April 1934 at Crayford, Kent, of 5024 Plain Bob Major: 1 Percy Stone, 2 Arthur W Jones, 3 Phyllis E Tillet, 4 Walter H Dobbie, 5 Margaret Pack, 6 John J L Gilbert (Cond), 7 Joseph T Pack, 8 Edwin A Barnett. Average age 15 years.

The youngest 6-bell peal was rung on 15 December 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon, of 5040 Plain Bob Minor RW1980/66: 1 Alex F Byrne (1st peal 9y 243d), 2 Carole A Carey (12y 324d), 3 Teresa K Packer (1st peal 13y 56d), 4 Peter Bladon (11y 360d), 5 Helen Bladon (13y 20d), 6 Gary P Exell (Cond 12y 290d). Average age 12 years 94 days.

The youngest 8-bell peal was rung on 27 November 1982 at Tetbury, Gloucestershire, of 5056 Plain Bob Major RW1983/82: 1 Elizabeth Turner (1st peal 13y 302d), 2 Neil Marshman (1st peal 14y 149d), Matthew P Connock (11y 201d), Alex F Byrne (12y 225d), Carole A Carey (15y 306d), Peter Bladon (14y 342d), Stephen J Bucknell (16y 140d), Gary P Exell (Cond 15y 272d). Rung by resident members of the Gloucestershire & Bristol Diocesan Association with an average age of 14 years and 151 days.

The youngest 8-bell peal of Surprise was rung on 23 October 1982 at Knowle, West Midlands, of 5024 Cambridge Surprise Major {RW1982/947}: John R Martin (18y 204d), Paul McNutt (15y 102d), Ian McNutt (15y 102d), Ian Wilgress (1st peal 16y 276d), Mark S Gilthorpe (17y 349d), Elizabeth Anderson (16y 265d), David J Pipe (14y 260d), Gary P Exell (Cond 15y 237d). Average age 16 years 133 days.

The youngest 10-bell peal was rung on 7 January 2018 at St Paul's, Birmingham, of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1206415 5042 Cambridge Surprise Royal]: 1 James P Town, 2 Daniel J Page, 3 Alfred G W Pipe, 4 Alex S Riley (C), 5 Jack L Edwards, 6 Henry J W Pipe, 7 Luke S P Riley, 8 Anna E Sherwood, 9 William M Regan, 10 Ewan G A Hull. The average age of the band was 15 years 322 days.

The youngest 12-bell peal was rung on 21 January 2018 at Melbourne, Derbyshire, of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1209822 5042 Cambridge Surprise Maximus]: 1 James P Town, 2 Alex S Riley (C), 3 Daniel J Page, 4 Jack L Edwards, 5 Henry J W Pipe, 6 Alfred G W Pipe, 7 Andrew D Meyer, 8 Luke S P Riley, 9 Matthew S Pearson, 10 Anna E Sherwood, 11 Ewan G A Hull, 12 William M Regan. The average age of the band was 15 years 341 days. This peal was also notable as being Andrew Meyer's 2nd peal and his first on more than 6 bells. The previous record was set on 2 January 1984 with a peal of 5042 Cambridge S Maximus at All Saints, Worcester: 1 Stephen J Mills (13); 2 Wendy B Smith (18); 3 Julia R Cater (13); 4 Ian McNutt (16); 5 Elizabeth Anderson (17); 6 Jonathan K F Tait (16); 7 Alison J Cox (18); 8 Paul McNutt (16); 9 Martin A Smith (15); 10 David J Garton (19); 11 Andrew B Mills (16); 12 David J Pipe (C) (15). Average age 16.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=421200 Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow] at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1101561 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=131688 Grandsire Triples], at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=389649 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

'''Ewan G A Hull''' conducted his first peal, which was also his first of Cinques, being [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=465478 Stedman] at St Magnus the Martyr, London on Saturday 30 May 2015, aged 12.

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 28 Oct 2000
| Christopher H Barrett
| Reading, St Laurence
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=420995 22 Sep 2001]
| Matthew E Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Bristol S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919628 9 Nov 2002]
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919309 9 Nov 2002]
| Dorothy M Hudson
| South Petherton
| Plain B Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=920144 11 Jan 2003]
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=25534 22 May 2004]
| Becky L Dunnett
| South Petherton
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=129488 25 Feb 2006]
| Louise C Palmer
| Southwark Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=55665 14 Oct 2006]
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=913304 18 Oct 2008]
| Lucy J Clark
| Southampton, Bitterne Park
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=6087 8 Aug 2010]
| Jennifer S Mackley
| New York, Trinity Church
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=7804 11 Sep 2010]
| Harriet S E Mather
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Mather D Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=16794 14 Feb 2011]
| Charlotte H Stansbury
| Hursley
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124605 12 Nov 2011]
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=943578 10 Jan 2015]
| Caroline A Prescott
| Guildford Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (3m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=471297 11 Jul 2015]
| Ewan Grant-Richardson
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Most Quarter Peals in a day==

In December 2013 the change-ringers list discussed the record for Quarter Peals in one day. It is likely that the number stands at 28 rung within a 24hr period performed at Mablethorpe and there is a footnote to a [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=67404 2007 quarter peal] "In affectionate memory of Keith N Buckingham, immediate past master of the Lincoln DGCBR. Keith was a member of the band in the successful world record attempt, ringing 28 quarter peals in 24 hours on these bells."

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1142106] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

'''Simon Melen''' chose Orion S Maximus for his first attempt at a double-handed peal ringing 3-4 at Melbourne for his 1,000th peal on Saturday 30th December 2017 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1205499]. He had taken advantage of practising on the simulator at Ticknall (10) which had been installed at the insistence of a local ringer, Ken Ballington, who sadly died shortly before this performance.

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=262936] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1055328] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1083506] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eighth attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===First Handbell Peal===

On Wednesday 21 June 2017, Pip Dillistone rang 3-4 to a peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus, his first handbell peal. Prior to this, he had minimal experience of ringing on handbells at all, other than using a simulator, having rung just four handbell quarter peals. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1177312]

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Heaviest Bells Rung to a Handbell Peal===

The range of tenor size for handbell peals is typically size 8 to size 18 although peals on higher numbers require larger sets of bells sometimes with a larger tenor. For example the first peals of Kent Sixteen and Little Bob Twenty-two both used a tenor size 22. However, on 2 February 1925 in two hours and 35 minutes, a peal of 5040 Stedman Triples was rung in St Margaret's Ringing Room, Leicester with a tenor size of 26 in G. 1-2 Harold J Poole (conductor) 3-4 Edward Whitehead 5-6 Ernest Morris 7-8 Josiah Morris [RW1925/102]. A report in the Ringing World on this peal [RW1925/104] stated that the previous records, both with a size 22 tenor, were Grandsire Triples on 20 April 1888 at Ipswich and Stedman Triples on 13 May 1914 at Guildford. Another peal was rung using a tenor size 26 in G, against in the ringing room of St Margaret's Leicester, but this time 5008 Plain Bob Major in 2 hours 34 minutes 1-2 Ernest Morris 3-4 John M Jelley (conductor) 5-6 John A Acres 7-8 Robert B Smith [RW 1961/346 comment 349]. This being the heaviest tenor ever turned in to a peal.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

== Footbell Performances ==

'''Anthony Parry''' rang a quarter peal of Plain Bob Minor using Pedalognomes driven by his feet on Sunday, 28 November 2010 [https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=12758]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2018-01-01T15:03:18Z

TonyL: Correction to bells rung for Simon Melen entry

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the '''first person to ring 5,000 peals''', all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013 and his 7,000th peal on 24 December 2016.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the '''first lady to reach 4000 peals''' with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the '''first person to reach 1000 peals'''. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the '''youngest person to ring a 1000 peals''' on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the '''fastest person to ring 1000 Peals''' (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997. He also became the '''fastest person to ring 2000 Peals''' (in 13yr 3mth) by ringing in a Peal at Bishops-Ting-Tong, Devon on the 17th April 2012 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=132938] surpassing '''Peter G C Ellis' ''' previous record of 13yr 11mth.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Ruth Curtis''' became the '''first lady to ring 5000 peals''' on Saturday, 23 December 2017 ringing the 2nd to London S Royal at Nottingham St Mary and surpassing Elizabeth Bowden's total. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1204637]

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Paul J Pascoe (13yr 3mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|-
|7000th
| Colin M Turner (2016)
| Colin M Turner (40yr 10mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at October 2017 he has rung a total of 66 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), the Standard 8 Major, 3 Spliced S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and 574 quarter peals (a few of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, all of the standard 8 Surprise Royal and the Surprise Royal alphabet, Grandsire Cinques and several of Yorkshire and Cambridge Max (see Bellboard for most recent performances). Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1084325 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors.

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012. At the same tower exactly a year later, aged 10, he rang the 3rd to a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=316641 Bristol Surprise Maximus].

'''Alfred G W Pipe''' rang his first peal being Bristol S Major [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1019542]on Tuesday, 2 August 2016 at Histon, Cambs and subsequently his first on 12 being 5042 Cambridge Surprise [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1189134] at University Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge on Thursday, 21 September 2017 at the age of 12. A few weeks later on Thursday, 12 October 2017 ringing the 3rd again at the same tower he scored a 5040 of Bristol S Maximus [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1191777]. A number of family handbell peals over the years had preceded these performances.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

The youngest peal of Surprise Maximus was rung on 2 January 1984 at All Saints, Worcester. 5042 Cambridge S Maximus. 1: Stephan J Mills (13); 2 Wendy B Smith (18); 3: Julia R Cater (13); 4: Ian McNutt (16); 5: Elizabeth Anderson (17); 6: Jonathan K F Tait (16); 7: Alison J Cox (18); 8: Paul McNutt (16); 9: Martin A Smith (15); 10: David J Garton (19); 11: Andrew B Mills (16); 12: David J Pipe (C) (15). Average age 16.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

'''Ewen Hull''' conducted his first peal and also his first of Cinques, being [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 Stedman] at St Magnus the Martyr, London on Saturday 30 May 2015, aged 12.

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 28 Oct 2000
| Christopher H Barrett
| Reading, St Laurence
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=420995 22 Sep 2001]
| Matthew E Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Bristol S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919628 9 Nov 2002]
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919309 9 Nov 2002]
| Dorothy M Hudson
| South Petherton
| Plain B Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=920144 11 Jan 2003]
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=25534 22 May 2004]
| Becky L Dunnett
| South Petherton
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=129488 25 Feb 2006]
| Louise C Palmer
| Southwark Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=55665 14 Oct 2006]
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=913304 18 Oct 2008]
| Lucy J Clark
| Southampton, Bitterne Park
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=6087 8 Aug 2010]
| Jennifer S Mackley
| New York, Trinity Church
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=7804 11 Sep 2010]
| Harriet S E Mather
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Mather D Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=16794 14 Feb 2011]
| Charlotte H Stansbury
| Hursley
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124605 12 Nov 2011]
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=943578 10 Jan 2015]
| Caroline A Prescott
| Guildford Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (3m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=471297 11 Jul 2015]
| Ewan Grant-Richardson
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Most Quarter Peals in a day==

In December 2013 the change-ringers list discussed the record for Quarter Peals in one day. It is likely that the number stands at 28 rung within a 24hr period performed at Mablethorpe and there is a footnote to a [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=67404 2007 quarter peal] "In affectionate memory of Keith N Buckingham, immediate past master of the Lincoln DGCBR. Keith was a member of the band in the successful world record attempt, ringing 28 quarter peals in 24 hours on these bells."

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

'''Simon Melen''' chose Orion S Maximus for his first attempt at a double-handed peal ringing 3-4 at Melbourne for his 1,000th peal on Saturday 30th December 2017 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1205499]. He had taken advantage of practising on the simulator at Ticknall (10) which had been installed at the insistence of a local ringer, Ken Ballington, who sadly died shortly before this performance.

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eighth attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===First Handbell Peal===

On Wednesday 21 June 2017, Pip Dillistone rang 3-4 to a peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus, his first handbell peal. Prior to this, he had minimal experience of ringing on handbells at all, other than using a simulator, having rung just four handbell quarter peals. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1177312]

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2018-01-01T11:46:50Z

TonyL: /* Prolific Peal Ringers */

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the '''first person to ring 5,000 peals''', all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013 and his 7,000th peal on 24 December 2016.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the '''first lady to reach 4000 peals''' with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the '''first person to reach 1000 peals'''. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the '''youngest person to ring a 1000 peals''' on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the '''fastest person to ring 1000 Peals''' (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997. He also became the '''fastest person to ring 2000 Peals''' (in 13yr 3mth) by ringing in a Peal at Bishops-Ting-Tong, Devon on the 17th April 2012 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=132938] surpassing '''Peter G C Ellis' ''' previous record of 13yr 11mth.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Ruth Curtis''' became the '''first lady to ring 5000 peals''' on Saturday, 23 December 2017 ringing the 2nd to London S Royal at Nottingham St Mary and surpassing Elizabeth Bowden's total. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1204637]

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Paul J Pascoe (13yr 3mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|-
|7000th
| Colin M Turner (2016)
| Colin M Turner (40yr 10mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at October 2017 he has rung a total of 66 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), the Standard 8 Major, 3 Spliced S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and 574 quarter peals (a few of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, all of the standard 8 Surprise Royal and the Surprise Royal alphabet, Grandsire Cinques and several of Yorkshire and Cambridge Max (see Bellboard for most recent performances). Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1084325 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors.

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012. At the same tower exactly a year later, aged 10, he rang the 3rd to a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=316641 Bristol Surprise Maximus].

'''Alfred G W Pipe''' rang his first peal being Bristol S Major [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1019542]on Tuesday, 2 August 2016 at Histon, Cambs and subsequently his first on 12 being 5042 Cambridge Surprise [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1189134] at University Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge on Thursday, 21 September 2017 at the age of 12. A few weeks later on Thursday, 12 October 2017 ringing the 3rd again at the same tower he scored a 5040 of Bristol S Maximus [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1191777]. A number of family handbell peals over the years had preceded these performances.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

The youngest peal of Surprise Maximus was rung on 2 January 1984 at All Saints, Worcester. 5042 Cambridge S Maximus. 1: Stephan J Mills (13); 2 Wendy B Smith (18); 3: Julia R Cater (13); 4: Ian McNutt (16); 5: Elizabeth Anderson (17); 6: Jonathan K F Tait (16); 7: Alison J Cox (18); 8: Paul McNutt (16); 9: Martin A Smith (15); 10: David J Garton (19); 11: Andrew B Mills (16); 12: David J Pipe (C) (15). Average age 16.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

'''Ewen Hull''' conducted his first peal and also his first of Cinques, being [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 Stedman] at St Magnus the Martyr, London on Saturday 30 May 2015, aged 12.

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 28 Oct 2000
| Christopher H Barrett
| Reading, St Laurence
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=420995 22 Sep 2001]
| Matthew E Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Bristol S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919628 9 Nov 2002]
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919309 9 Nov 2002]
| Dorothy M Hudson
| South Petherton
| Plain B Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=920144 11 Jan 2003]
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=25534 22 May 2004]
| Becky L Dunnett
| South Petherton
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=129488 25 Feb 2006]
| Louise C Palmer
| Southwark Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=55665 14 Oct 2006]
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=913304 18 Oct 2008]
| Lucy J Clark
| Southampton, Bitterne Park
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=6087 8 Aug 2010]
| Jennifer S Mackley
| New York, Trinity Church
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=7804 11 Sep 2010]
| Harriet S E Mather
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Mather D Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=16794 14 Feb 2011]
| Charlotte H Stansbury
| Hursley
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124605 12 Nov 2011]
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=943578 10 Jan 2015]
| Caroline A Prescott
| Guildford Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (3m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=471297 11 Jul 2015]
| Ewan Grant-Richardson
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Most Quarter Peals in a day==

In December 2013 the change-ringers list discussed the record for Quarter Peals in one day. It is likely that the number stands at 28 rung within a 24hr period performed at Mablethorpe and there is a footnote to a [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=67404 2007 quarter peal] "In affectionate memory of Keith N Buckingham, immediate past master of the Lincoln DGCBR. Keith was a member of the band in the successful world record attempt, ringing 28 quarter peals in 24 hours on these bells."

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

'''Simon Melen''' chose Orion S Maximus for his first attempt at a double-handed peal ringing 2-3 at Melbourne for his 1,000th peal on Saturday 30th December 2017 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1205499]. He had taken advantage of practising on the simulator at Ticknall (10) which had been installed at the insistence of a local ringer, Ken Ballington, who sadly died shortly before this performance.

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eighth attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===First Handbell Peal===

On Wednesday 21 June 2017, Pip Dillistone rang 3-4 to a peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus, his first handbell peal. Prior to this, he had minimal experience of ringing on handbells at all, other than using a simulator, having rung just four handbell quarter peals. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1177312]

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2018-01-01T11:36:06Z

TonyL: /* Double-handed Towerbell Ringing */

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the '''first person to ring 5,000 peals''', all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013 and his 7,000th peal on 24 December 2016.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the '''first lady to reach 4000 peals''' with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the '''first person to reach 1000 peals'''. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the '''youngest person to ring a 1000 peals''' on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the '''fastest person to ring 1000 Peals''' (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997. He also became the '''fastest person to ring 2000 Peals''' (in 13yr 3mth) by ringing in a Peal at Bishops-Ting-Tong, Devon on the 17th April 2012 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=132938] surpassing '''Peter G C Ellis' ''' previous record of 13yr 11mth.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Paul J Pascoe (13yr 3mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|-
|7000th
| Colin M Turner (2016)
| Colin M Turner (40yr 10mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at October 2017 he has rung a total of 66 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), the Standard 8 Major, 3 Spliced S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and 574 quarter peals (a few of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, all of the standard 8 Surprise Royal and the Surprise Royal alphabet, Grandsire Cinques and several of Yorkshire and Cambridge Max (see Bellboard for most recent performances). Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1084325 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors.

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012. At the same tower exactly a year later, aged 10, he rang the 3rd to a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=316641 Bristol Surprise Maximus].

'''Alfred G W Pipe''' rang his first peal being Bristol S Major [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1019542]on Tuesday, 2 August 2016 at Histon, Cambs and subsequently his first on 12 being 5042 Cambridge Surprise [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1189134] at University Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge on Thursday, 21 September 2017 at the age of 12. A few weeks later on Thursday, 12 October 2017 ringing the 3rd again at the same tower he scored a 5040 of Bristol S Maximus [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1191777]. A number of family handbell peals over the years had preceded these performances.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

The youngest peal of Surprise Maximus was rung on 2 January 1984 at All Saints, Worcester. 5042 Cambridge S Maximus. 1: Stephan J Mills (13); 2 Wendy B Smith (18); 3: Julia R Cater (13); 4: Ian McNutt (16); 5: Elizabeth Anderson (17); 6: Jonathan K F Tait (16); 7: Alison J Cox (18); 8: Paul McNutt (16); 9: Martin A Smith (15); 10: David J Garton (19); 11: Andrew B Mills (16); 12: David J Pipe (C) (15). Average age 16.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

'''Ewen Hull''' conducted his first peal and also his first of Cinques, being [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 Stedman] at St Magnus the Martyr, London on Saturday 30 May 2015, aged 12.

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 28 Oct 2000
| Christopher H Barrett
| Reading, St Laurence
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=420995 22 Sep 2001]
| Matthew E Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Bristol S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919628 9 Nov 2002]
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919309 9 Nov 2002]
| Dorothy M Hudson
| South Petherton
| Plain B Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=920144 11 Jan 2003]
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=25534 22 May 2004]
| Becky L Dunnett
| South Petherton
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=129488 25 Feb 2006]
| Louise C Palmer
| Southwark Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=55665 14 Oct 2006]
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=913304 18 Oct 2008]
| Lucy J Clark
| Southampton, Bitterne Park
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=6087 8 Aug 2010]
| Jennifer S Mackley
| New York, Trinity Church
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=7804 11 Sep 2010]
| Harriet S E Mather
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Mather D Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=16794 14 Feb 2011]
| Charlotte H Stansbury
| Hursley
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124605 12 Nov 2011]
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=943578 10 Jan 2015]
| Caroline A Prescott
| Guildford Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (3m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=471297 11 Jul 2015]
| Ewan Grant-Richardson
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Most Quarter Peals in a day==

In December 2013 the change-ringers list discussed the record for Quarter Peals in one day. It is likely that the number stands at 28 rung within a 24hr period performed at Mablethorpe and there is a footnote to a [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=67404 2007 quarter peal] "In affectionate memory of Keith N Buckingham, immediate past master of the Lincoln DGCBR. Keith was a member of the band in the successful world record attempt, ringing 28 quarter peals in 24 hours on these bells."

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

'''Simon Melen''' chose Orion S Maximus for his first attempt at a double-handed peal ringing 2-3 at Melbourne for his 1,000th peal on Saturday 30th December 2017 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1205499]. He had taken advantage of practising on the simulator at Ticknall (10) which had been installed at the insistence of a local ringer, Ken Ballington, who sadly died shortly before this performance.

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eighth attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===First Handbell Peal===

On Wednesday 21 June 2017, Pip Dillistone rang 3-4 to a peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus, his first handbell peal. Prior to this, he had minimal experience of ringing on handbells at all, other than using a simulator, having rung just four handbell quarter peals. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1177312]

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2017-10-14T15:14:21Z

TonyL: /* Progression of Later Learners */

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the '''first person to ring 5,000 peals''', all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013 and his 7,000th peal on 24 December 2016.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the '''first lady to reach 4000 peals''' with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the '''first person to reach 1000 peals'''. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the '''youngest person to ring a 1000 peals''' on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the '''fastest person to ring 1000 Peals''' (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997. He also became the '''fastest person to ring 2000 Peals''' (in 13yr 3mth) by ringing in a Peal at Bishops-Ting-Tong, Devon on the 17th April 2012 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=132938] surpassing '''Peter G C Ellis' ''' previous record of 13yr 11mth.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Paul J Pascoe (13yr 3mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|-
|7000th
| Colin M Turner (2016)
| Colin M Turner (40yr 10mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at October 2017 he has rung a total of 66 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), the Standard 8 Major, 3 Spliced S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and 574 quarter peals (a few of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, all of the standard 8 Surprise Royal and the Surprise Royal alphabet, Grandsire Cinques and several of Yorkshire and Cambridge Max (see Bellboard for most recent performances). Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1084325 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors.

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012. At the same tower exactly a year later, aged 10, he rang the 3rd to a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=316641 Bristol Surprise Maximus].

'''Alfred G W Pipe''' rang his first peal being Bristol S Major [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1019542]on Tuesday, 2 August 2016 at Histon, Cambs and subsequently his first on 12 being 5042 Cambridge Surprise [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1189134] at University Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge on Thursday, 21 September 2017 at the age of 12. A few weeks later on Thursday, 12 October 2017 ringing the 3rd again at the same tower he scored a 5040 of Bristol S Maximus [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1191777]. A number of family handbell peals over the years had preceded these performances.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

The youngest peal of Surprise Maximus was rung on 2 January 1984 at All Saints, Worcester. 5042 Cambridge S Maximus. 1: Stephan J Mills (13); 2 Wendy B Smith (18); 3: Julia R Cater (13); 4: Ian McNutt (16); 5: Elizabeth Anderson (17); 6: Jonathan K F Tait (16); 7: Alison J Cox (18); 8: Paul McNutt (16); 9: Martin A Smith (15); 10: David J Garton (19); 11: Andrew B Mills (16); 12: David J Pipe (C) (15). Average age 16.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

'''Ewen Hull''' conducted his first peal and also his first of Cinques, being [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 Stedman] at St Magnus the Martyr, London on Saturday 30 May 2015, aged 12.

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 28 Oct 2000
| Christopher H Barrett
| Reading, St Laurence
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=420995 22 Sep 2001]
| Matthew E Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Bristol S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919628 9 Nov 2002]
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919309 9 Nov 2002]
| Dorothy M Hudson
| South Petherton
| Plain B Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=920144 11 Jan 2003]
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=25534 22 May 2004]
| Becky L Dunnett
| South Petherton
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=129488 25 Feb 2006]
| Louise C Palmer
| Southwark Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=55665 14 Oct 2006]
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=913304 18 Oct 2008]
| Lucy J Clark
| Southampton, Bitterne Park
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=6087 8 Aug 2010]
| Jennifer S Mackley
| New York, Trinity Church
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=7804 11 Sep 2010]
| Harriet S E Mather
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Mather D Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=16794 14 Feb 2011]
| Charlotte H Stansbury
| Hursley
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124605 12 Nov 2011]
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=943578 10 Jan 2015]
| Caroline A Prescott
| Guildford Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (3m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=471297 11 Jul 2015]
| Ewan Grant-Richardson
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Most Quarter Peals in a day==

In December 2013 the change-ringers list discussed the record for Quarter Peals in one day. It is likely that the number stands at 28 rung within a 24hr period performed at Mablethorpe and there is a footnote to a [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=67404 2007 quarter peal] "In affectionate memory of Keith N Buckingham, immediate past master of the Lincoln DGCBR. Keith was a member of the band in the successful world record attempt, ringing 28 quarter peals in 24 hours on these bells."

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eighth attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===First Handbell Peal===

On Wednesday 21 June 2017, Pip Dillistone rang 3-4 to a peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus, his first handbell peal. Prior to this, he had minimal experience of ringing on handbells at all, other than using a simulator, having rung just four handbell quarter peals. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1177312]

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2017-10-14T11:13:21Z

TonyL: /* Young Peal Ringers */

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the '''first person to ring 5,000 peals''', all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013 and his 7,000th peal on 24 December 2016.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the '''first lady to reach 4000 peals''' with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the '''first person to reach 1000 peals'''. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the '''youngest person to ring a 1000 peals''' on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the '''fastest person to ring 1000 Peals''' (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997. He also became the '''fastest person to ring 2000 Peals''' (in 13yr 3mth) by ringing in a Peal at Bishops-Ting-Tong, Devon on the 17th April 2012 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=132938] surpassing '''Peter G C Ellis' ''' previous record of 13yr 11mth.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Paul J Pascoe (13yr 3mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|-
|7000th
| Colin M Turner (2016)
| Colin M Turner (40yr 10mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors.

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012. At the same tower exactly a year later, aged 10, he rang the 3rd to a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=316641 Bristol Surprise Maximus].

'''Alfred G W Pipe''' rang his first peal being Bristol S Major [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1019542]on Tuesday, 2 August 2016 at Histon, Cambs and subsequently his first on 12 being 5042 Cambridge Surprise [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1189134] at University Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge on Thursday, 21 September 2017 at the age of 12. A few weeks later on Thursday, 12 October 2017 ringing the 3rd again at the same tower he scored a 5040 of Bristol S Maximus [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1191777]. A number of family handbell peals over the years had preceded these performances.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

The youngest peal of Surprise Maximus was rung on 2 January 1984 at All Saints, Worcester. 5042 Cambridge S Maximus. 1: Stephan J Mills (13); 2 Wendy B Smith (18); 3: Julia R Cater (13); 4: Ian McNutt (16); 5: Elizabeth Anderson (17); 6: Jonathan K F Tait (16); 7: Alison J Cox (18); 8: Paul McNutt (16); 9: Martin A Smith (15); 10: David J Garton (19); 11: Andrew B Mills (16); 12: David J Pipe (C) (15). Average age 16.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

'''Ewen Hull''' conducted his first peal and also his first of Cinques, being [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 Stedman] at St Magnus the Martyr, London on Saturday 30 May 2015, aged 12.

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little B Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 28 Oct 2000
| Christopher H Barrett
| Reading, St Laurence
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=420995 22 Sep 2001]
| Matthew E Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Bristol S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919628 9 Nov 2002]
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=919309 9 Nov 2002]
| Dorothy M Hudson
| South Petherton
| Plain B Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=920144 11 Jan 2003]
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=25534 22 May 2004]
| Becky L Dunnett
| South Petherton
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=40070 5 Jun 2005]
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=129488 25 Feb 2006]
| Louise C Palmer
| Southwark Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=55665 14 Oct 2006]
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=913304 18 Oct 2008]
| Lucy J Clark
| Southampton, Bitterne Park
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=930760 20 Dec 2008]
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=6087 8 Aug 2010]
| Jennifer S Mackley
| New York, Trinity Church
| Plain B Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=7804 11 Sep 2010]
| Harriet S E Mather
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Mather D Maximus
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=16794 14 Feb 2011]
| Charlotte H Stansbury
| Hursley
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124605 12 Nov 2011]
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=943578 10 Jan 2015]
| Caroline A Prescott
| Guildford Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (3m)
| Rang inside
|-
| [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=471297 11 Jul 2015]
| Ewan Grant-Richardson
| Portsmouth Cathedral
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Most Quarter Peals in a day==

In December 2013 the change-ringers list discussed the record for Quarter Peals in one day. It is likely that the number stands at 28 rung within a 24hr period performed at Mablethorpe and there is a footnote to a [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=67404 2007 quarter peal] "In affectionate memory of Keith N Buckingham, immediate past master of the Lincoln DGCBR. Keith was a member of the band in the successful world record attempt, ringing 28 quarter peals in 24 hours on these bells."

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eighth attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===First Handbell Peal===

On Wednesday 21 June 2017, Pip Dillistone rang 3-4 to a peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus, his first handbell peal. Prior to this, he had minimal experience of ringing on handbells at all, other than using a simulator, having rung just four handbell quarter peals. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1177312]

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2015-06-13T11:08:40Z

TonyL: /* Firsts as Conductor */

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the '''first person to ring 5,000 peals''', all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the '''first lady to reach 4000 peals''' with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the '''first person to reach 1000 peals'''. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the '''youngest person to ring a 1000 peals''' on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the '''fastest person to ring 1000 Peals''' (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997. He also became the '''fastest person to ring 2000 Peals''' (in 13yr 3mth) by ringing in a Peal at Bishops-Ting-Tong, Devon on the 17th April 2012 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=132938] surpassing '''Peter G C Ellis' ''' previous record of 13yr 11mth.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Paul J Pascoe (13yr 3mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012. At the same tower exactly a year later, aged 10, he rang the 3rd to a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=316641 Bristol Surprise Maximus].

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

'''Ewen Hull''' conducted his first peal and also his first of Cinques, being [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 Stedman] at St Magnus the Martyr, London on Saturday 30 May 2015, aged 12.

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Most Quarter Peals in a day==

In December 2013 the change-ringers list discussed the record for Quarter Peals in one day. It is likely that the number stands at 28 rung within a 24hr period performed at Mablethorpe and there is a footnote to a [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=67404 2007 quarter peal] "In affectionate memory of Keith N Buckingham, immediate past master of the Lincoln DGCBR. Keith was a member of the band in the successful world record attempt, ringing 28 quarter peals in 24 hours on these bells."

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2013-12-22T04:15:23Z

TonyL: Most Quarter Peals in a day

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the '''first person to ring 5,000 peals''', all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the '''first lady to reach 4000 peals''' with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the '''first person to reach 1000 peals'''. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the '''youngest person to ring a 1000 peals''' on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the '''fastest person to ring 1000 Peals''' (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997. He also became the '''fastest person to ring 2000 Peals''' (in 13yr 3mth) by ringing in a Peal at Bishops-Ting-Tong, Devon on the 17th April 2012 [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=132938] surpassing '''Peter G C Ellis' ''' previous record of 13yr 11mth.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Paul J Pascoe (13yr 3mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Most Quarter Peals in a day==

In December 2013 the change-ringers list discussed the record for Quarter Peals in one day. It is likely that the number stands at 28 rung within a 24hr period performed at Mablethorpe and there is a footnote to a [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=67404 2007 quarter peal] "In affectionate memory of Keith N Buckingham, immediate past master of the Lincoln DGCBR. Keith was a member of the band in the successful world record attempt, ringing 28 quarter peals in 24 hours on these bells."

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2013-04-23T15:47:22Z

TonyL: /* Young Quarter Peal Ringers */ added Jason Fisher

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5,000 peals, all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Jason Fisher''', aged just 6, rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?160000 first quarter peal] covering to Plain Bob Doubles on the 10cwt tenor at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcs on Tuesday 23 April 2013.

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2013-03-22T22:08:07Z

TonyL: /* Young Peal Ringers */ Adam Crocker

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5,000 peals, all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Adam R Crocker''' rang his first peal being doubles on 29 Jan 2000 at Lemsford, Herts, just before his 10th birthday on 12th Feb. See also Prolific Peal Ringers

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2013-03-22T22:00:41Z

TonyL: /* Prolific Peal Ringers */ Adam Crocker (1000) and Colin Turner (6000)

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5,000 peals, all on towerbells, on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage. He reached his 6,000th peal on 5 Mar 2013

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months. This record was broken by '''Adam R Crocker''' on 22nd March 2013 when he rang a peal of [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=280568 Stedman Triples] at the age of 23yrs 1 month and 10 days

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|-
|6000th
| Colin M Turner (2013)
| Colin M Turner (37yr 1mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan G A Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Julia R Cater''' rang her first peal when she was 9 years and 3 months old, and went on to ring a peal of Little Bob Maximus aged 10 years 4 months, and both London Surprise Royal and Cambridge Surprise Maximus aged 10 years 9 months. She called her first peal, Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months, beating Alex Byrne's record earlier the same year.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry J W Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan G A Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==

'''Julia R Cater''' is the possibly the '''youngest person to call a peal''' calling Plain Bob Doubles on 4 July 1981, aged 10 years and 11 months.

'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2013-02-23T14:41:05Z

TonyL: /* Young Peal Ringers */ Ewan Hull S Royal

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011. His first on more than 6, of surprise and his first inside was on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at the age of 10 when he rang the 2nd to [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=277100 Cambridge Royal] at St Laurence, Northfield.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2013-01-09T12:03:23Z

TonyL: /* Heavy Bell Ringers */ Added Matthew Young

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung. The floodgates have now appear to have been opened with the following performance(s): '''Matthew J Young''' Tuesday, 1 January 2013, [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?154730 Yorkshire Max], again accompanied by ABM now on the 11th.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2013-01-07T08:55:55Z

TonyL: /* Four in hand */ Simon Melen to maximus

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). On Sunday, 6 January 2013 '''Simon Melen''' extended the feat to maximus, [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/list.php?newest ringing 9-10-11-12] to Bristol with 1–2 Jennifer E Earis, 3–4 Elizabeth A Orme, 5–6 Philip J Earis, 7–8 David J Pipe (C) and a video of one lead is here [http://youtu.be/lxTxfnD8W1E].

Other occasions that 'four in hand' are known to have been rung were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2012-12-30T16:34:44Z

TonyL: /* Young Peal Ringers */ Henry Pipe first tower bell

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days. At the age of 9 he rang the 2nd to Cambridge S Major to score his [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=206987 first tower bell peal] at the University Church of St Mary the Great on Thursday, 27 December 2012

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2012-11-08T13:56:14Z

TonyL: /added new section for Cliff Izzard/

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

==Repeating Historical Performances==

On Saturday 3 November 2012 '''Cliff Izzard''' rang the tenor for a peal of Caters at Kempston, Beds. He has rung this bell for the Queen's Coronation, Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and may be the only person to do this.[http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=189206]

Notable Achievements

2012-10-12T16:41:09Z

TonyL: /* Double-handed Towerbell Ringing */

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. It is incorrectly recorded on p713 of RW 15/8/1980 as being 1-2. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The list of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

Notable Achievements

2012-10-12T16:35:46Z

TonyL: /* Double-handed Towerbell Ringing - updated PLRH*/

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal, as a bet with the Newark District that it could not be done, when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent). The kist of peals can be seen on [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/dh1.php?hid=20917 Pealbase]

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

Notable Achievements

2012-08-31T16:59:07Z

TonyL: /* Young Quarter Peal Ringers *update John Hinton/

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011. He went on to score his 10th quarter on his tenth birthday, August 11th, ringing his first inside to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?147392 Plain Bob Doubles]

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

Pre-stretched Polyester Ropes

2012-08-18T20:44:45Z

TonyL: \added Dyneema\

__NOTOC__
Pre-stretched polyester is similar to 'Terylene' which is a commercial brand-name. It is a good material for the top end of bell ropes because:

* it does not shrink in damp weather
* it does not go stiff in damp weather
* it is not springy when new
* it lasts almost indefinitely

Two manufacturers supply products which have been used in towers, Marlow and English Braids. The Marlow rope has orange and black tracers in the rope, while the one from English Braids has blue. Marlow rope has been found to be less springy and is preferred by most users.

==Marlow Rope Specifications==
Users of Marlow rope have suffered some confusion as the specification has changed at times. A military (MOD) specification rope, has been available in the past with similar colour markings to the sailing grade. This has been 'spun as a yarn' down the pub by many ringers, to suggest that it is a far better rope for bell ropes. There have been a few other manufacturers who have copied Marlows pre-stretched polyester and laid in the same colour identifying markers that Marlow use but have not made them to the same exacting [high] standards.

Batches of pre-stretched polyester top ends have been supplied by Pritchards ropemakers of Loughborough during their last 5 or so years, utilising a yellow or grey fleck. In many towers these yellow flecked top ends have proved un-satisfactory.

The pre-stretched polyester rope supplied to the bell rope makers is tailor made in very large batches to their own specification and does exhibit properties making it more suited to the application of bell ringing than the standard sailing grade, and in particular the stretch tolerance allowed.

The sailing grade rope in 10mm diameter should be suitable for most ropes (up to about 8m), but displays more spring on long draughts. Upgrading to 12mm diameter would be recommended.

It would appear from the Technical Director of Marlow that the MOD specification is almost identical to the sailing grade except there is a change in the coloured marker arrangement; rather than two markers it is a single orange/black fleck. The technical specification for the sailing type of rope is available from Marlow's website in the form of a PDF file and applies to both types.

The 10mm sailing type of rope has a breaking load of over 2300kg (it could singly carry the dead weight of up to a 46cwt bell) which, in terms of its use in bell ringing, is not remotely approached. Since ringing never reaches more than 5% of the break load of the rope, and there may still be stretch (typically 1% extension which makes a huge difference) we should look at increasing the diameter of the rope to 12mm diameter to reduce the loading to say 2% or 3% of its total break load and thus the stretch to 0.5% or less.

==Splicing==
Pre-stretched polyester rope can be short-spliced by hand and can also be machine spliced. Theoretically (because of the differing coefficients of friction) it should not be long-spliced with natural fibre rope, but there are several reports of this being achieved successfully in practice.

David Beacham writes: I have had no trouble at all with joining polyester to flax with a conventional long splice, which you need to do if some part of the rope passes over an intermediate pulley. (If you use a short splice in this situation, you will feel the "bump" as the splice runs over the pulley.)

Mark Davies writes: I agree with David, I've long-spliced flax to poly without problems, and the splices have lasted many years. When tucking the ends in, you can't "comb out" polyester so well as natural yarn, since the fibres don't come loose. However, you should still use the comb, and tuck in as usual as best you can. If you like, you can trim half the ends of each poly strand in order to get a neater result. On NO ACCOUNT should you heat-seal the ends of the poly strands, as this will not only look unsightly, but also cause the spliced-in natural rope to wear quickly due to friction with the sharp ends of the heated-sealed polyester. Don't even think about it!

==Fitting Polyester Ropes==
Remember that you do not need to have yards of "spare" rope wound around the spokes. To do so is a waste of money. About three times round would do. If you wish to have more, extend the rope by tying some old rope onto it.

Natural fibre rope should always be used below the sally.

==Acknowledgement==
The above page is based on a thread on Change-Ringers, May 2005, and summarises contributions from John Harrison, Matthew Higby and Philip Pratt.

==Dyneema technology==
Avon Ropes (ref Philip Pratt) have developed patent pending Dyneema technology "for the ultimate zero-stretch rope". It is claimed to be thin, light, strong with minimal stretch.
[[Category:Bells and Fittings]]

Ordering and Adjusting Bell Ropes

2012-08-18T20:35:30Z

TonyL: /* Bell Rope Suppliers - Added Avon Ropes */

__NOTOC__
This page provides general information on ropes such as ordering and adjusting them. It also lists suppliers.

==Ordering Ropes==
You will need to tell the manufacturer the following things about each rope that you order:

# Overall Length - Length from the very top to the very bottom of the rope with the tail-end untucked
# Tail-End Length - Length from the bottom of the sally to the end of the rope with the tail-end untucked
# Sally Colours - Up to three colours can be choosen
# Weight of Bell - Generally bells over 15cwt have thicker ropes
# Polyester Top Ends - Whether you require polyester rope to be used above the sally.

The standard sally will usually be 3 foot long, but shorter sallies can be requested.

==Polyester Top Ends==
Polyester top ends increase the cost of a rope, but ropes last longer and are not affected by the weather. [[Pre-stretched Polyester Ropes|Click here for further information]].

==Changing a Rope==
This is a simple way to change a rope:

# Ensure the bell is down
#Put a weight (or someone else's foot) on the tail end of the new rope so that the bottom of the sally on the new rope is at the same height as the bottom of the sally of the old rope.
# Tie the top of the new rope to the bottom of the old rope with a reef knot
# In the belfry, pull up the old rope dragging the new rope behind it
# Untie the ropes taking care not to drop the new rope
# Pull up the new rope until you feel it pulling against the weight (or foot) and tie it off on the wheel (*see tip)
# Adjust the tail end on the new rope to be the same length as the one on the old rope
(New ropes will stretch so it may be advisable to pull them up an extra couple of inches.)

==Adjusting a Rope==
With the bell down the rope should be adjusted on the wheel so that the bottom of the sally will be approximately 5'- 8" from the ground when the bell is up. (Ropes on heavier bells will need to be slightly higher.) The tail end should be adjusted so that your average ringers can ring the bell in rounds with 2" to 3" below their hands.

==Tying off at wheel - Tip==
A tip I was given is not to use knots at the wheel but after making the first loop around the spoke and then making a few (not too many) loops around both spokes, simply pass the end of the rope down and through the first loop which will then trap the end. Any excess rope can be cut off before threading the remaining rope through the loops to finish. (Tony Lees)

Be aware that cutting the rope will leave the ends free to unravel. Just tying string around the end or ‘whipping’ will quickly pull off. (Chris Adams)

==Bell Rope Suppliers==
* [http://www.ellisandpritchards.co.uk Ellis Pritchard], Loughbrough - 01509 852178
* Peter Minchin, Worcester - 01885 490673
* [http://www.whitechapelbellfoundry.co.uk/rope.htm Whitechapel Bell Foundery]- 020 7247 2599
* [http://www.avonropes.co.uk Avon Ropes]
[[Category:Bells and Fittings]]

Notable Achievements

2012-08-07T09:03:44Z

TonyL: /* All Ladies' Peals -correction to URL*/

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=154559 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

Notable Achievements

2012-08-06T10:50:38Z

TonyL: /* All Ladies' Peals *-added first ever, minor amendments to St Paul's/

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

'''The first All Ladies' peal''' was Grandsire Triples at Poplar, Isle of Dogs, London on 20th July 1912, with Edith Parker conducting and thus becoming the first woman to reach 50 peals.

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as several other towers on the route attempted peals or other touches. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane, 7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/search.php 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

Notable Achievements

2012-08-05T20:19:28Z

TonyL: /* Added Ladies Peal section*/

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==All Ladies' Peals==

The first '''All Ladies' peal rung at St Paul's Cathedral''', London took place on Sunday 5th August 2012 during the women's Olympic marathon, and at the same time as four other peals on the route were being rung. The band of 1 Susan L Apter (C), 2 Ann White, 3 Elizabeth A Orme, 4 Shirley E McGill, 5 Mary E Holden, 6 Catherine N Merlane,
7 Gwen Rogers, 8 Eleanor J Linford, 9 Rebecca J Cox, 10 Gabrielle L Cowcill, 11 Claire F Roulstone and 12 Pauline C Champion & Margaret Whiteley rang [http://www.bb.ringingworld.co.uk/search.php 5007 Stedman Cinques].

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

Notable Achievements

2012-07-29T20:11:09Z

TonyL: /* Double-handed Towerbell Ringing */ -corrections for Peter Hayward

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all 15 possible combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

Notable Achievements

2012-07-24T08:12:50Z

TonyL: /* Double-handed Towerbell Ringing */ -further details for Peter Hayward

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. At the time of writing (July 2012) he remains the only person to have rung such peals and has rung peals of minor on all combinations of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent) except 1-4 and 2-4.

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

Notable Achievements

2012-07-24T08:05:57Z

TonyL: /* Double-handed Towerbell Ringing */ -added Pealbase section

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

In addition to the following Pealbase publishes details of [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/doublehanded.php Double Handed Peal ringers].

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. He has since rung peals of minor on every possible combination of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

Notable Achievements

2012-05-07T10:39:43Z

TonyL: /* Young Quarter Peal Ringers */ -added Florence Homewood

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (3271 days - 8yr 11mth)
|-
|2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

'''Florence Homewood''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Minimus for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?141358 her first quarter] at Burmarsh, Kent on Sunday 6 May 2012.

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. He has since rung peals of minor on every possible combination of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

==Ringing whilst Blindfolded==

On 15th Mar 2012, six blindfolded ringers rang 1296 Cambridge Surprise Minor at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Conducted by '''Richard Grimmett''' it was believed to be the first quarter rung with every ringer blindfolded throughout. [http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=124136]

Notable Achievements

2012-04-04T13:18:58Z

TonyL: /* Firsts as Conductor */

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (8yr 11mth)
|-
| 2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor. (see next section for more details)

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. He has since rung peals of minor on every possible combination of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

Notable Achievements

2012-04-04T13:12:01Z

TonyL: /* Firsts as Conductor - Stephen Mills*/

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (8yr 11mth)
|-
| 2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

'''Stephen J Mills''' called from the 2nd [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?22325 210 Treble Dodging Minor methods] on 24th October 2004 at Shelford, Notts for his first, and so far (Apr 2012), only peal as conductor.

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. He has since rung peals of minor on every possible combination of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

Plain Bob Doubles

2012-02-14T20:38:56Z

TonyL: /* Learning the Method (The plain course) - added place starts*/

__NOTOC__
[[Image:Plain_bob_doubles.png|right||200px|Plain Bob Doubles]]
==Tips on ringing Plain Bob Doubles==

Before you start:

# '''Make sure you can plain hunt:''' Not just from one bell with a following wind but from any bell, and from any bell with the order of the bells changed before you start. If you are ringing the 2nd and the conductor calls "2 to 3", "2 to 4" (or "3 to 1", "4 to 3", according to local practice) you are now in 4th place. At the command "Go plain hunt" you start as if you were the 4th - go in to lead. If you can do this then your rope-sight / rhythm is up to the minimum standard required for Plain Bob.
# '''Make sure you can hear your bell:''' If you can't hear your bell in Plain Hunt, your striking will not be good in Plain Bob. It is worth spending time listening to achieve a good level of striking.
# '''Practise your bell control:''' Practise dodging - this can be achieved easily by ringing rounds (on the 2nd say) and the conductor calling "2, 3 dodge". Ring over the third at handstroke and over the treble at backstroke until "That's all" is called. Now practise the reverse (over at back, under at hand) and try on different bells to get the feel of moving them around. Listen carefully to ensure you are striking accurately. You are aiming to achieve a good sense of the different speeds required in order to perform a dodge - this will be essential when you start ringing Plain Bob.
# '''Ring the treble to touches of Plain Bob and Grandsire:''' With your skills in 1 to 3 honed you should find plain hunting whilst others are ringing methods a walk in the park - this will not only improve your ringing but make you a more useful member of your tower (helping by ringing the treble accurately whilst others are practising ringing touches of different doubles methods). If you find this difficult then try to analyse which of the steps is not up to scratch and go back and practise.

==Learning the Method (The plain course)==

Plain Bob Doubles is not a difficult method to learn. In fact it is so easy that people often try to over-complicate it.

For this section it will be helpful of you have the blue line (or preferably the grid) of Plain Bob in view.

We shall make some simple observations about the method:

# The treble always plain hunts.
# There are four other bells.
# These all plain hunt - except when the treble makes it's backstroke lead.
# At this point, one bell makes 2nds, one bell makes 5ths and the other two bells dodge in 3-4.

Lets break this down into what it actually means:

# '''The treble always plain hunts''' This means that the treble rings the same ten blows over and over again. This makes it ideal for being a point of reference.
# '''There are four other bells''' These four bells are "Inside". Each ten blows they swap around until they've all been in all four positions at the trebles backstroke lead. This makes the plain course of Plain Bob four times longer than a course of Plain Hunt.
# '''These all plain hunt - except when the treble makes it's backstroke lead.''' Because of this, Plain Bob is 90% plain hunt, however, each lead you start as a different place bell e.g. if you are ringing the second you plain hunt until the trebles backstroke lead. At this point you dodge (3-4 Down) and are in 4th place to start your plain hunting again, so you plain hunt in to the front as if you were the 4th bell.
# '''At this point, one bell makes 2nds, one bell makes 5ths and the other two bells dodge in 3-4''' All this does is make sure instead of rounds at the treble's backstroke lead (which you get in plain hunt) the bells change sequence for the second set of 10 blows (12345 becomes 13524) and the plain hunting starts from this point.
This should be a doddle if you've had plenty of plain hunting practise on different bells and with different starting rows. Beware that the bell making 5ths has already made two blows in 5ths position and 5ths place bell has another to make when plain hunting is resumed. All together this makes 4 blows in 5th place for that bell.

Note: Each bell moves to a new starting point and this is shown in the line to the right and in the circle of work below by encircling the bell number. Thus bell number 2 becomes 4th placed bell on the backstroke after the 3/4 down dodge, then 5th placed bell on the third blow at the back, 3rd place bell on the backstroke after the 3/4 up dodge and back to 2nd place bell on second blow (backstroke) in 2nds. Each of these positions is the place bell start and it can be useful when learning to ring each bell to become more aware of these starts.

==The Circle of Work==

To help you remember what "work" is coming up next you can follow "the circle of work". Starting from any bell (shown in a ring) you follow the circle clockwise from your starting point.

[[Image:Plain_bob_doubles_circle_of_work.png|none|thumb|400px|]]

=Ringing by the Treble=

You can also know what work to ring next by noting in which position you pass the treble. If you pass it in:

* 1-2 then make 2nds.
* 2-3 then dodge 3-4 up.
* 3-4 then do four blows in 5ths place.
* 4-5 then dodge 3-4 down.

Beware that relying on the treble alone may not be sufficient, as as the treble ringer may be the least experienced and most likely to go wrong.

==Possible Pitfalls==

# '''You get lost''' --- Don't Panic --- It is likely that someone will be able to tell you where you are. If they say lead, then lead and plain hunt out. When the treble leads do the work appropriate to the position you are in. Similarly for any other position that you are instructed to move into. Don't waste time trying to explain how you went wrong - this is a clear recipe for a fire-up.
# '''You seem to always clip bells at dodges''' This is the one big difference in Plain Bob from Plain Hunt. Dodging requires you to go from hunting in quick, to hunting out slow (or vice versa) in one blow. This requires a bigger change of speed than you are used to. Practise the dodging exercises in the previous page and don't be too disheartened. This skill will come to you eventually.
# '''You dodge the wrong way''' The dodges are all BACKSTROKE dodges. That is to say, the change in direction is always at backstroke with the next handstroke resuming your previous direction of hunting e.g. the 3-4 down dodge from the point where you leave 5ths place is: 5ths place at handstroke, 4ths place at backstroke, 3rds place at handstroke (while the treble is leading at handstroke), 4ths place at backstroke (this is your dodge at the treble's backstroke lead), 3rd place again at handstroke and continue plain hunting in to lead. As you can see, the dodge puts a little "blip" in the plain hunting - BUT DOES NOT CHANGE THE OVERALL DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. Going the wrong way after a dodge in any method is fairly inexcusable for this reason. Therefore it is best to be hard on yourself to get it right now. You will save conductors the trouble of having to change two bells back over in touches to come. This could (dramatically) increase the chances of you getting quarterpeals or peals in the years to come.

==Have Fun!==

As I noted at the start of this - Plain Bob Doubles is not a difficult method :-)

If you have the handling, listening and plain hunt skills that were detailed at the beginning of this page then you should find this stage merely a matter of bringing together those skills with a little theory. You will find it challenging, but don't stress. Relax and it won't take long for you to master this.

Once you have mastered a plain course, try being called "observation" in a touch. This means that bobs will be called when you make 4 blows in 5th place (changing the other bells but leaving you unaffected. If you can do this then you will be well on your way to ringing your first quarterpeal "inside".

==See Also==

* [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/edc/rpt/bd.pdf Bob Doubles Wall Chart (Central Council Education Commmittee)]
* [http://fortran.orpheusweb.co.uk/Bells/Diagrams/PBobD.pdf Plain Bob Doubles Crib Sheet (Fortran Friends)]
* [http://www.cheltenhambranch.org.uk/publications/PB5_No_Bobs.pdf Plain Bob Doubles (Philip Abbey)]

Notable Achievements

2011-11-19T19:21:34Z

TonyL: /* Higher Numbers First Peals-added Margaret Paul */

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (8yr 11mth)
|-
| 2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 07 May 1979
| Margaret A Paul
| Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
| Grandsire Cinques
|  
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is believed to be the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. He has since rung peals of minor on every possible combination of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

Notable Achievements

2011-11-19T19:09:54Z

TonyL: /*Corrected broken header for Higher Number*/

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (8yr 11mth)
|-
| 2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers First Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is believed to be the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. He has since rung peals of minor on every possible combination of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

Notable Achievements

2011-11-18T21:17:29Z

TonyL: /* Heavy Bell Ringers -added Gordon Birks*/

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

Only two ringers have ever conducted more than 200 peals in a single year. In 1997 '''Derek E Sibson''' conducted 202 peals (out of 213 peals that year) all of which were tower bell peals - this being '''the first and only ringer to conduct over 200 tower bell peals in a single year'''. The only other time the 200 mark has been surpassed, was in 2004 when '''Andrew J W Tibbets''' conducted 200 peals (all in hand) out of 219 peals, and became '''the first and only ringer to conduct 200 peals in hand in a single year'''!

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (8yr 11mth)
|-
| 2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers F
irst Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 12 Nov 2011
| Jono Chapman
| Shepton Beauchamp, Som
| Stedman Cinques
| Aged 15 (Tenor)
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' is believed to have been rung at Clare College, Cambridge, on handbells on 9 March 2003 in '''47m 10s''', being 5040 Plain Bob Minimus 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C). [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?10609]

The '''fastest peal on a mini ring''' is believed to have been rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59m 42s''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589]

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h 13m''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111 This is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest peal on six or more''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h 59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]was the only ringer last century to turn the tenor in at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal, being Cambridge S Maximus. The feat was matched by '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] also ringing Cambridge S Maximus and then again by '''Gordon R Birks''' on Thursday 17 November 2011 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?132151] with Andrew Mills ringing the second to Yorkshire S Maximus. At 4h 46 Mins this may be the slowest tower bell peal ever rung.

Also in recent years Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled the six bells at '''St Buryan, Cornwall''' to peals, '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both achieved the feat on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' became only the third on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is believed to be the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. He has since rung peals of minor on every possible combination of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]

Notable Achievements

2011-11-09T20:00:51Z

TonyL: /* Heavy Bell Ringers -spelling/syntax corrections*/

This section lists some of the notable achievements in the world of ringing.

Because peal details are officially recorded and are readily available, statistics for peals are much easier to find that other statistics, so many of the achievements below relate to peals. However, additions of other notable achievements are very welcome if you know the details, and if you have photos of the individuals or bands, even better.

==Prolific Peal Ringers==
'''Colin M Turner''' became the first person to ring 5000 peals on 24 Jun 2007 in just 31 years. This amounts to 25,338,418 changes, and this is just for the successful ones. There are many other records encompassed in this. The peals were rung with 1,152 people at 3,074 towers, and Colin rang over 200 peals a year for 16 consecutive years (from 1991 to 2006), the most being 303 (in 1989) and this is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as being the most ever rung in a single year. He has rung over 2,000 different methods, including the Surprise alphabet on 6, 8, 10 & 12 at least twice at each stage.

'''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' became the first lady to reach 4000 peals with a peal at [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112996 Easthampstead]on 23 Dec 2010. It was her 1000th for the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association.

'''Revd F E Robinson''' was the first person to reach 1000 peals. This was on 9 Aug 1905 according to his records but he may have missed some of his earlier peals.

'''Andrew B Mills''' became the youngest person to ring a 1000 peals on 14 Feb 1991 when he conducted Shelford Delight Minor at Shelford at the age of 23yrs 8months.

'''Paul J Pascoe''' became the fastest person to ring 1000 Peals (from 1st to 1000th peal) in 3271 days by conducting Bristol S Major at Thorverton, Devon on the 8th December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?59080], and surpassed '''Ian R Fielding's''' previous record of 3275 days on 17th October 1997.

'''Current Peal Milestones'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! First
! Fastest
|-
| 1000th
| Rev F E Robinson (1905)
| Paul J Pascoe (8yr 11mth)
|-
| 2000th
| George E Fearn (1965)
| Peter G C Ellis (13yr 11mth)
|-
|3000th
| John R Mayne (1993)
| Peter G C Ellis (19yr 4mth)
|-
|4000th
| John R Mayne (2000)
| Colin M Turner (26yr 6mth)
|-
|5000th
| Colin M Turner (2007)
| Colin M Turner (31yr 4mth)
|}

Andrew Craddock's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of all ringers who have rung '''1000 or more peals'''.

==Gregarious Peal Ringers==

The Change-ringers list in February 2008 discussed who was the most gregarious peal ringer. At that time and using Pealbase data going back to 1973 Andrew Craddock revealed that '''John Pladdys''' topped the list with 1911 ringers and '''Elisabeth A G Bowden''' was the highest ranking lady in 5th place and 1646
ringers.

==Fast Learners==

'''Peter Davey''' rang a handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor at the age of 17 on Thursday, 28 August 2008 less than 5 days after being taught to ring [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=70638]

'''Victoria J M Wilby''' rang her first peal on 09 Apr 1998 6 months after her first lesson and then rang a quarter of Stedman Cinques at the Pier Head on the first anniversary of her first ringing lesson.

'''Jennifer A Murch''' rang her first peal on 30 June 2007, 24 weeks after learning to ring. Whilst a student at Hull University she rang her 49th peal on Monday, 1 December 2008, being Yorkshire S Maximus inside [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74998]. She was elected to the [http://www.ascy.org.uk/mem2000- College Youths]in 2009 and rang her [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=89157 first peal] for the Society on 19 Sep 2009.

'''Stefan Smith''' had his first handling lesson at 4pm on Sunday, 28 December 2008. By 4:45pm he was capable of ringing the Tenor to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=76285 this Quarter Peal], with minimal aid from a strapper, but Stefan did all the work of the handstrokes.

==Progression of Later Learners==
Older people CAN learn to ring and excel!!! This section is for examples of people who started to learn as adults and have made some reasonable progress and/or contribution.

'''Harry Stewart''' learnt to ring at Melbourne, Derbys at the age of 79 and rang rounds for the first time on his 80th birthday for Sunday service. He progressed to rounds and call changes on twelve and plain hunting on seven. Whilst visiting family he joined in practices and outings in Kent, and even rang at Canterbury Cathedral. He had to give up as Parkinson's disease became too much for him and sadly he died on 30 March 2008.

'''Bill Titmarsh''' learnt to ring at Clenchwarton, Norfolk at the age of around 73. Whilst not progressing beyond rounds and call changes he displayed remarkable commitment and fortitude. Despite suffering from arthritic and rheumatic conditions which meant that he could hardly hold a coffee mug, as well as a host of other health problems, including a poor heart, new heart valves, bypasses, and God knows what else (literally) he attended every Sunday until he could no longer physically stand. He died in April 2003 and a peal was rung in celebration of his life [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=11648]

'''Helen Beaumont''' started ringing reluctantly at the age of 51 in 2003 as chaperone to her daughter (who has since given up). Since then, with the assistance of many friends and all the ringing she can get, she has rung several quarters from Plain Bob Doubles to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=68973 Grandsire Caters] and [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=63045 Plain Bob Royal] inside. Her first peal was at Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 6 Jun 2009, ringing inside to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?84435 Grandsire Caters]

'''Karl S Ryder''' took up ringing at the age of 40 in 2003. His [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 first peal] was trebling to Yorkshire S Major on 19 Mar 2006 at West Bridgford, Nottingham. He is Tower Captain of that active tower and a regular ringer at Nottingham St Mary where he has rung several quarters of Surprise Royal inside and trebled to Surprise Maximus eg [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=36116 Pudsey]. On the 08/08/08 he took part in quarters of each of the Standard 8 S Major, ringing inside to all except Bristol.

'''Mike Lewis''' took up ringing as a "supporting Dad", at the age of 44 in St' Elvan's church, Aberdare, S.Wales on 4th July 2007. By December he had progressed to Bob Doubles touches and rang his 1st quarter in Jan 2008. Since then he has rung in 8 quarter peals (up to Jan 2009) and become the steeplekeeper at St' Elvan's and was temporary Tower Captain for a short while. Besides winning the "Leslie Evans Trophy" from the Swansea & Brecon Guild for most improved ringer in 2008, he also carried out work to renew the ringing room floor in a nearby tower as well as changing a clapper and several broken stays at Aberdare (including one of his own). He has gained all 4 badges in the STA bell club awards scheme and is working towards the S&B DGBR profiency certificate. Now ringing Stedman Doubles and attempting Bob Triples and Major, and looking forward (!) to his 1st Peal attempt.

'''Tony Lees'''* first started to ring in Autumn 1992 in Thrumpton, Notts (a 6cwt 6 in a very small village) at the age of 45. He rang his first quarter covering in Barton, Notts (11cwt) in April 1994, and first peal trebling to mixed minor in October 1996. After being encouraged on scoring his 3rd peal, Cambridge S Major in May 2004 he got serious about attempting to progress as far as possible. As at January 2010 he has rung a total of 37 peals including Spliced S Minor (16m), Yorkshire S Royal and Grandsire Caters inside, and boosted by 59 during 2010, 226 quarter peals (two of which he has conducted) including 8 spliced S Major atw, Glasgow Major, most of the standard 8 Surprise Royal, Grandsire Cinques and Little Bob Maximus (see Campanophile for most recent performances). His first qtr of Surprise Max (Yorkshire) was scored in Sep 2010. Following a handbell course run by the Society of Sherwood Youths he rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?95227 first quarter in hand] on 6 January 2010.

*(I have taken the liberty to add my details to demonstrate that with persistence, endeavour, the grace and patience of many others, the help of some in general and one in particular, that someone with no special talents can make some headway beyond the proverbial "plain bob doubles". There are others who started at a later age and have made really remarkable progress (see below). Their details should be an encouragement to both other ringers and their tutors. I fully support the approach explained by [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a | Heather Peachey] and the use of [http://edc.cccbr.org.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=22&p=570#p570 | Simulators] Tony Lees.)

'''Iris Margaret Elsie Lemare''' was born in London on 27 September 1902. She was musically gifted and
became the first woman to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra, in 1937. She also was an active walker, swimmer and skier. It is believed she took up bell ringing in her mid-50's at the York Arts Centre under Harold Walker. By 1958 she had joined the Minster band and rung her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=12951 first peal]. Over the next 23 years she rang over 700 peals at all stages (minor to maximus) and a wide range of common and not so common methods including [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5298 Lemare Surprise Major] for her 79th birthday. Her [http://www.yacr.org.uk/pealdetail.php?id=5345 final peal] was 8 spliced major in the December of 1981. She died in Askham Bryan, near York on 23 April 1997. A web search will bring up many hits and there is an obituary at [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-iris-lemare-1261255.html]. David Potter's obituary of Iris Lemare was in the Ringing World of May 16th 1997.

'''Prudence Fay''' took up ringing at age 50, rang her first tower and handbell peals in 1995. She has rung Glasgow, Belfast, Norman Smith's 23 on tower (148 peals) and handbells (94 peals), totalling 242 peals as at January 2010.

==Young Peal Ringers==

A number of youngsters have rung peals prior to their teens. The following are some examples:

'''Henry J W Pipe''' rang his first peal being 5040 Plain Bob Minor [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?102350] on handbells (1-2) on Monday, 31 May 2010 at the age of 7 years 105 days.

'''Jonathan Carpenter''' rang his first peal (Plain Bob Minor) aged 7 at Warfield, Berks, on 19th June 1982. He was the youngest ringer to ring a working bell to a peal replacing '''Paul Jopp''' who rang his first peal at the age of 8 on 4 Nov 1966 ringing inside to Plain Bob Minor on the Stoulton Campanile. This itself was the first peal conducted by '''Andrew Jopp''' at the age of 13.

'''Paul Jopp''' went on to ring and conduct his first peal of Surprise, being Cambridge Minor, when he rang the 2nd at S Nicholas, EARLS CROOME, Worcs on Thu Apr 23 1970. It was also the first of Surprise for the ringers of the 3rd and 4th (Barbara Luckes and Andrew Jopp).

'''Ewan Hull''' rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120930 first peal] at the age of 8 trebling to Plain Bob Minor at Strensall, North Yorkshire on 7 May 2011.

'''Alex F Byrne''' rang the treble to Plain Bob Minor for his first peal whilst only 9 on 15 Dec 1979 at Hinton Waldrist, Oxon. He then went on to conduct his 6th peal, ringing an inside bell to Plain Bob Minor on 29 May 1981 at Berkeley, Glos and thus probably becoming the '''youngest person to call a peal''' at the age of 11.

'''Victoria K Johnstone''' rang her first peal aged 11, 9 months after her first lesson in order to beat her elder brother on Sunday February 26, 2006 at Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

'''Jemma L Mills''' on Sunday, 7 January 2007 rang her first peal on the 'Pot Bells' at Shelford, Nottingham at the age of 9 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?45841], becoming possibly the youngest girl to ring a peal this century. The band consisted of 3 generations of the Mills family. She followed this performance with a peal of Major on Sunday, 1 June 2008 at Clifton, Nottingham [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?66849].

'''Thomas A F Keech''' rang his first peal on Sunday, 30 November 2008 at Campton, Beds whilst still aged 10 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?74903]. He is the youngest Bedfordshire ringer to ring a peal since '''Jeremy Piron''' (Grandsire Triples at Maulden in July 1969), who was a month younger. At the age of 7 he rang on the 16 at the Swan Bells, Perth WA and he may be the youngest person to ring in Australia.

'''Robert Stafford''', aged 10, rang the treble to a peal of Plain Bob Major on 21 March 1927 at Whitley Bay. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"])

'''Andrea P L Pygott''', aged 11 rang Bristol Major on the 2nd for her first peal on Friday 14th August 2009 at St Mary, Barnsley [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?87509].

'''William M Regan''' at the age of 11 rang his first peal trebling to Grandsire Triples on Monday 30th May 2011 at Hanbury, Worcs. [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122176]

'''Edward R Mack''', aged 12, on Saturday, 30 June 2007 rang his first peal at his first attempt, being Yorkshire S Royal on the 4th at St Peters, St Albans [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?52222].

'''Tom and James Perrins''' both rang their first peals before reaching their teens. Tom rang his first peal, Grandsire Doubles, on 5th April 2003 just before his eleventh birthday. James rang his first peal, the Standard 8 major on the 2nd, at the age of 12 on Saturday 28 March 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?80694]. 82 year old Thomas Goodyer rang the 4th raising the question of whether this is the biggest age difference in a peal of 8-spliced. On Friday, 3 April 2009 again at St Andrew's the brothers and Tom rang inside to a quarter peal of Cambridge Surprise Maximus [http://www.campanophile.co.uk//view.aspx?81014]

'''Fraser J Murray''', aged 11, rang inside to Cambridge S Minor for his first peal on Sunday, 28 June 2009 at Halifax [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85339]. On Saturday July 4 he rang his second peal, again inside, to 3 minor methods at Saltaire [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?85623]

'''Harriet J Dodd''', at the age of 10 years 134 days, rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?69147 first peal] trebling to Grandsire Caters at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hampshire on Saturday July 26, 2008. On Saturday, 4 December 2010 at the same tower she rang the same bell to [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?112106 Stedman Caters].

'''Matthew S Pearson''', aged 11, rang the 3rd to Yorkshire S Major for his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130749 first peal] at his first attempt at Christ Church, Epsom Common, Surrey on Sunday 30 October 2011.

Although 15 at the time the first peal of '''Alice White''' on 12th Feb 1896 is notable as being the first peal rung by a woman. She rang the treble to a peal of Grandsire Triples at her home tower, St Michael's Basingstoke. (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk "On This Day"]).

On the 1st December 1912 there was a handbell peal of Grandsire Doubles in the belfry of the church at Great Hampton, Worcestershire.
The ringers were '''Ellen M Johnson''' (12 years old), '''Joseph D Johnson''' (13 years old), and '''Ruth Johnson''' (10 years old). Joe conducted it. The '''Johnsons''' were a very large (9 children) family from Hinton on the Green, Worcestershire. Lots of the children rang many handbell peals, usually conducted by Joe- who also called the first peal on the present bells of Worcester Cathedral. In later years, handbell peals of Kent Treble Bob Royal were rung at Hinton. Other siblings included '''Amy Johnson''', the first lady to ring 500 peals, and '''Florence Johnson''' who married the great Tom Lewis of St. Johns, Worcester.

==Young Quarter Peal Ringers==

'''Henry Pipe''', aged just 6, rang his first quarter peal on Tuesday 26 January 2010 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?96006 Plain Bob Minor in hand]

'''Ewan Hull''' at the age of 7 rang his [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/view.aspx?94627 first quarter] on the treble at Ss Philip and James, Clifton, York on Monday, 28 December 2009.

'''John Hinton''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?120097 first quarter] trebling to Grandsire Doubles at All Saints, Little Shelford, Cambs on Friday 29th April 2011.

'''Nathan Joynson''' at the age of 8 rang his [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?130138 first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at All Saints, Stone, Gloucestershire on Sunday 23 October 2011.

'''Thirza de Kok''', from Dordrecht in the Netherlands, rang her first tower bell on her own during a visit to All Saints Sapcote in August 2009. On Saturday February 20th 2010 at the age of 9 she returned to that tower to ring her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?97696 first quarter peal], following her father’s footsteps of 24 years ago. The quarter was called by Thirza's brother Harm Jan (aged 13). On Saturday 28 August 2010, still at the age of 9, she rang her [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?106619 first quarter of major] in her home town.

'''Rosemary Hall''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?88963 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Sunday, 13 September 2009 at Old Brampton, Derbyshire.

'''Harriet J Dodd''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?55590 her first quarter] being the treble to Plain Bob Doubles on Thursday, 27 September 2007 at St Mary, Bishopstoke, Hants. She has since gone on to ring many quarter peals and a few peals.

'''Isaac Perry''' at the age of 9 rang [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?122114 his first quarter] trebling to Plain Bob Doubles at South Petherton, Somerset on Saturday, 28 May 2011.

'''James P Town''' at the age of 9 covered to Plain Bob Doubles for [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?129577 his first quarter] at All Saints, Northallerton, on Saturday 15 October 2011.

==Older Peal Ringers==

On 14 September 1973, George E Symonds (b.1875 d.1974) rang a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal at Grundisburgh, Suffolk, aged 98 years 1 month.

[http://www.pealbase.co.uk Pealbase] includes details of nine other people who have rung peals at the '''age of 90 or more'''.

==Firsts as Conductor==
'''John R Leary''' is the only person to have conducted all his first peals at every stage from Doubles to Maximus. He started in the 1960's and completed the achievement with a peal Doubles at All Cannings, Salisbury on 17 Apr 1995. More about him can be read at [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2007/4/5/311446.html]

'''Jennifer E Butler''' conducted Roddy Horton's split-tenors one-part composition of Bristol, Belfast, London and Glasgow at the age of 17, being her first as conductor and 10th towerbell peal (8 Jan 2005 Thornhill).

'''Alexandra A Prabhakar's''' first peal as conductor was Holt's Original [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59805 5,040 Grandsire Triples] on 26 December 2007. On 3 April 1973, '''Juliet S Stoy''' also called this composition for her first as conductor.

'''Thomas M Perrins''' called his first peal, Grandsire Triples, at the age of 12 yrs 9 mths on Sunday January 16, 2005 at St Mark's, Darling Point, New South Wales

==Feats of Learning and Method Complexity==
The pinnacle of method learning and complexity for advanced ringers on eight bells are all-the-work peals of 23 methods, the maximum in a normal length peal. Most usually these methods are learnt by ringing a series of peals which gradually build up to 23 methods. The first of these compositions was produced by Norman Smith, and rung 31 December 1966. It has since been rung almost 500 times by over 850 ringers. Stephen D Chandler subsequently produced a similar composition of 23 much more difficult methods.

Learning more than 23 methods takes the challenge to a much higher level, as it becomes very easy to confuse one method with another, and forget some methods as new ones are learnt. Taking this learning exercise to 100 methods requires considerable experience, mental agility, and an exceedingly good memory, not withstanding the challenge of keeping this up continuously for 10 hours. On Friday, 28 October 2005 a peal of '''22400 Spliced Surprise Major, 100 methods, all the work''' was rung by an ASCY band at the Loughborough Bell Foundry in 10h 48 (6) with. 699 changes of method. Composed by: Paul Needham 1 Stephanie J Warboys 2 Philip J Earis 3 John N Hughes-D'Aeth 4 Robin O Hall 5 Andrew J Graham 6 Simon J L Linford (C) 7 David J Pipe 8 David C Brown Longest peal of Spliced Surprise. Most Spliced Surprise Major methods all the work [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=31837]

The longest peal of Spliced Surprise Royal was rung at St Thomas, Oxford where an Ancient Society of College Youths band rang 56 methods, all the work (503 COM) being '''20160 Spliced Surprise Royal''' on Thursday, 18 March 2010 in 11h 19m [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?98573]

Rigel Surprise Maximus is one of the most challenging Maximus methods rung, with an apparently random blue line. On handbells, the ringers have to contend with their two bells making point blows in the middle of the rows rarely synchronised with one another. On 14 January 2006, a peal of '''12672 Rigel Surprise Maximus''' was rung on handbells [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=34156].

On 13th October 1984 at Shoreditch the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths rang '''all Surprise Maximus methods''' that had been rung up to the end of the previous year giving rise to a peal of 8000 Spliced Surprise Maximus in 170 methods in 5 hours and 40 minutes. [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/tower_higher.php]

Scientific is a principle, where there is no hunt bell to act as a guide, and is probably the hardest Triples method. On 12 November 2008 the first peal of ''' 5040 Scientific Triples''' in hand was scored by St. Martin's Guild for the Diocese of Birmingham 1-2 William T Bosworth 3-4 Charles A S Webb 5-6 Mark R Eccleston 7-8 Alan S Burbidge (c) [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74077]

Minor methods present their own challenge as many methods can be rung in a short time. A feat of composition, conducting and ringing was achieved on Friday 24 Oct 1969 when a Peal of '''5040 Spliced Treble Bob Minor''', comprising '''210 Treble dodging methods''' with a '''change of method every lead''', was rung. At the time it was the '''most methods rung to a peal'''. The feat was repeated on Sunday 24 Oct 2004 2h45 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=22325]. [http://www.southwelldg.org.uk/guild/210_treble_dodging.htm#Comps Click] for a background to the history of these peals.

The '''most methods rung all the work on tower bells''' was scored on on Saturday, 25 September 2010 when 147 minor methods were rung, giving 20160 changes, by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Paul, Jewellery Quarter in 9 hours 37 minutes. John S Warboys provided the composition and it was rung by 1 Richard B Grimmett, 2 David J Pipe (C), 3 Philip J Earis, 4 Simon J L Linford, 5 Michael P A Wilby, 6 John M Thurman [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?107923]

A silent and non conducted peal of Stedman Triples was rung at Meldreth, Cambridgeshire on 15th December 1980. It was twice the length of a usual peal and the band had to learn two very complex compositions, the first by John Noonan (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Noonan&forenames=J) and the second by G Wilfred Slack (http://ringing.org/main/pages/peals/composers/compositions?surname=Slack&forenames=G%20Wilfred)

==Higher Numbers F
irst Peals==
Ringers whose first peals were on 12 or more bells.
{| style="color:blue;background-color:#ffffdd;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
! Date
! Name
! Tower
! Method
! Notes
|-
| 13 February 1937
| Albert M Tyler
| Tewkesbury, Glos
| Stedman Cinques
| Age 13
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Alison C Waterson
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 15 (2nd)
|-
| 3 Sept 1976
| Hilary A Beresford
| Shoreditch, London
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Age 16 (4th)
|-
| 18 May 1986
| Eleanor J Kippin
| Bristol, St Stephen
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 6 Sep 1987
| Michael P A Wilby
| London, St Sepulchre
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 24 Sep 1987
| Deborah L Blake
| Bedford, St Paul
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 30 Jan 1993
| Alison M Brookbanks
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Luke M Atwell
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 31 Dec 1994
| Joanna L Woolley
| Towcester
| Little Bob Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Jul 1995
| Hannah L Wilby
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
| Age 11
|-
| 2 Aug 1997
| Brett C Masters
| Towcester
| Cambridge S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Feb 1998
| Caroline Newman
| Bristol, St Mary Redcliffe
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 9 Jan 1999
| Jennifer E Henson
| Towcester
| Bristol S Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 1999
| Joanne L Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
|  
|-
| 4 Aug 2000
| R Clive Henson
| Towcester
| Yorkshire S Maximus
| Rang inside
|-
| 21 Oct 2001
| D Paul Mason
| Leicester, St Margaret
| Yorkshire S Fourteen
| Rang tenor
|-
| 9 Nov 2002
| Tessa K Beadman
| Guildford, Cathedral
| Spliced S Maximus (5m)
| Rang inside
|-
| 11 Jan 2003
| David W Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Simon A Bond
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 5 Jun 2005
| Robert V Criddle
| Preston Minster
| Plain Bob Maximus
|  
|-
| 14 Oct 2006
| Siân E Kipling
| Llandaff Cathedral
| Stedman Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony C Furnivall
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Anthony P Micocci
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|-
| 20 Dec 2008
| Jeremy C Bates
| New York, Trinity Church
| Erin Cinques
|  
|}
 

==Longest Peals==

On Sunday, 6 May 2007 in 24h09 (9 in B), '''72000 Treble Dodging Minor''' (100m) 1-2 Philip J Earis 3-4 Andrew J W Tibbetts (C)5-6 David J Pipe. The longest peal yet rung [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=50258].

A '''full of extent of major''' was first rung at Leeds in Kent by 14 ringers under James Barham on April 7 and 8, 1761

The only full extent so far rung on 8 tower bells '''by one band of ringers''' was at Loughborough Bell Foundry on Saturday 27 July 1963, in 17 hours and 58 minutes. '''40320 Plain Bob Major''' Composed by: C Kenneth Lewis, Conducted by: Robert B Smith 1 Brian J Woodruffe 2 John M Jelley 3 Neil Bennett 4 Frederick Shallcross 5 John C Eisel 6 John Robinson 7 Brian Harris 8 Robert B Smith This is the greatest number of changes ever to be rung to a tower bell peal and was the ninth attempt in as many years. 8 umpires monitored the performance.

Setting record lengths has long been a challenge to ringers and the progression of long length peals over the years for various methods and stages is summarised by the [http://www.cccbr.org.uk/rc/rc.php Peal Records Committee].

==Fastest Peals==
The '''fastest peal''' on four is believed to be rung by the Fellowship of Narnia Youths at The Jack and Jill House Campanile, Gosport on Thursday 20th March 2008 in '''59 minutes and 42 seconds''' (7oz), being 5040 Double Bob Minimus (210 extents) 1 Lizzie J Hough, 2 Emma L Pym, 3-4 Benjamin J Carey (C) www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?63589

The fastest '''tower bell peal''' on six is believed to be that rung by St Martin's Guild, Birmingham at Hadstock, Essex, S Botolph
Sat Dec 14 1991 '''1h13''' (2 3/4) being 5040 Cambridge S Minor(7 extents)1 Tim J Peverett, 2 Anthony M Daw, 3 Julia R Cater, 4 Andrew J Mitchell, 5 David G Hull (C), 6 David J Pipe Ref: RW 1992 p. 111

The above is possibly the only tower where one peal has taken over twice as long as another of the same length (eg 19 Apr 1996 in 2h 31min, 12 minor methods)

A contender for the '''fastest handbell peal''' is that rung by the Iceni Society in Cambridge on Thursday, 4 May 2006 in '''0h59m''' (8 in C#) being 5040 Old Oxford Delight Minor 1-2 Philip J Earis, 3-4 David J Pipe (C), 5-6 Jeremy W Spiller

==Most Peals in a day==

The most peals rung in a day currently stands at 15, on handbells, with Andrew Tibbetts (conducted them all) and Philip Earis ringing in all of the peals. The peals were all minor and they were assisted by Cherril Thompson (rang in 5) and Jeremy Spiller (rang 10).

Starting at 10am on Saturday, 27 June 2009 a band comprising of Paul J Pascoe, Ian J Carey, Richard Harrison, Benjamin J Carey, Peter W J Sheppard, Edward P D Colliss, Christopher C P Woodcock and Andrew B Mills rang '''10 peals of S Major''' at Marston Bigot, Somerset (20lbs) starting with [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85311 9 spliced] and then ringing each of the methods individually, concluding the next day at 8.23am with a successful peal of [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85320 Yorkshire]. This beat the previous record of 9 peals rung in 2000 and was achieved despite the need to [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=85317 re-hang the tenor] after peal 6. The peals are accredited to The Fellowship of Narnia Youths.

==Heavy Bell Ringers==

'''Peter Border''' on Saturday, 13 August 1966 [http://www.manxcat.org.uk/cathedral/peals.htm]and '''Andrew B Mills''' on Saturday, 8 December 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=59074] are the only ringers to turn in the tenor at '''Liverpool Cathedral (82cwt), the heaviest 12 bell tower in the world''' to a peal - both ringing Cambridge S Maximus. Subsequently Liverpool Cathedral has taken the accolade of having had rung the heaviest and longest 10 bell peal on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=54440] and then heaviest 8 bell peal on Saturday, 15 November 2008 [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=74170]

'''Andrew B Mills''' also rang in the 4 peals of S Maximus in one day in London as part of an ASCY band on 11 June 2005 finishing with ringing the tenor to Cambridge S Maximus at Cornhill (42cwt).

'''Thomas J Waterson''' on 26th February 2011 became the youngest person (aged 19yr 8mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Exeter Cathedral (72cwt)''' ringing it to a peal of Stedman Cinques [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?116651], being 9 months younger than '''Matthew J Hilling''' who had previously rung it to a peal of Grandsire Caters on 29th November 1997 (aged 20yr 5mth).

'''James W Washbrook''' on 25th April 1895 turned in the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt), the heaviest 10 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Kent Treble Bob Royal. The previous December he had rung it single-handed to a peal of Grandsire Caters. It was considered impossible at that time to ring a peal on the bell with only one ringer. [http://www.pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/onthisday/index.php ref: Pealbase - On this day] '''Matthew R T Higby''' on 7th March 1992 became the youngest person (aged 17yr 6mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Wells Cathedral (56cwt)''' to a peal of Stedman Caters. Rather amusingly, the conductor that day was '''Timothy F Collins''' who had previously held the record of being the youngest person to ring a peal there, having rung the tenor to a peal of Stedman Caters on 27th June 1970 (aged 19yr 1mth).

'''Timothy F Collins''' on 28th December 1970 is believed to be the youngest person (aged 19yr 7mth) to ring a peal on the tenor at '''Sherborne Abbey (46cwt), the heaviest 8 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Superlative S Major.

'''Samuel M Austin''' on the 9th July 2004 became the youngest person (18yr 11mth) to ring the tenor at '''St Buryan, Cornwal (37cwt), the heaviest 6 bell tower in the world''' to a peal of Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?20047] in 4hrs. Although, '''Thomas J Waterson''' on 13th February 2011 (aged 19yr 8mth) is the youngest person to ring the tenor to a peal of Surprise Minor [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?115889] - scoring the peal in 3h 33mins. Only three people as yet have circled '''St Buryan''' to peals, these being '''Chris Venn''' and '''Christopher J Pickford''' both on 26th December 1996, and '''Paul J Pascoe''' on 2nd October 2011 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?128933].

==Light Bell Ringers==

'''Brockenhurst, Hampshire. (Jennie's Old Bedroom Ring)''' on Sunday 17th May 2009, a peal of 5040 Cambridge S Minor is believed to be the lightest ever bells yet rung to a Peal by rope and wheel. [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?83290] With a tenor weighing just '''2oz''' ('''around 57 grams'''); this peal was arranged and rung for the 20th anniversary of Jim Hodkin's first peal and was the first peal on the bells. Rung in 1h 47min by 1 Adam Welch, 2 Edward P D Colliss, 3 Graham J Wright, 4 Robert Perry, 5 James A Hodkin, 6 Paul J Pascoe, and conducted by Paul Pascoe.

==Double-handed Towerbell Ringing==

On 19 Sep 1901 the first double-handed peal on tower bells was performed by '''James W. Washbrook''' who rang 3 and 4 to a peal of Grandsire Triples at Arklow, Ireland. [http://www.bellringingireland.org/East/Arklow/Home.html]. This performance received criticism from the editor of The Bell News, Harvey Reeves and others, who doubted that the peal could have been struck accurately Washbrook repeated the performance the following week in the presence of some of the best ringers in Ireland. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 29 Apr 1961 the '''first tower bell peal to be rung with only three ringers''' took place at Preston Candover, Hants. The peal of Plain Bob Minor was rung by Tony Price 1-2, Frank C Price 3-4 with Frank T Blagrove ringing 5-6 and conducting. (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 22 Aug 1964 the '''first peal of Major to be rung by only four ringers''' was scored being Plain Bob at Balcombe, Sussex (9cwt). 1-2 Tom Chapman 3-4 Frank C Price (conductor) 5-6 Frank T Blagrove and 7-8 Tony Price.

On 17 Oct 1981 Jill M. Liddle became the '''first woman''' to ring two tower bells to a peal when she rang Bob Minor at Rushbury, Salop (ref: [http://pealbase.co.uk/ Bill Butler's "On this day"]).

On 18 Jan 1990 '''6 ringers''' rang a peal of 5016 Plain Bob Maximus at Lockington, Leics (14-1-1) in 3hrs 2min (Arr RBS). 1-2 Peter LR Hayward 3-4 Paul Jopp 5-6 Robert B Smith 7-8 Frank C Price 9-10 Alan Cattell '''11-12 Andrew B Mills''' (ref Front Page RW 16/3/90). A year later the ringer of the tenors rang 4-5 at Limerick (23 Apr 1991 Grandsire Triples) but the most challenging performance is probably ringing '''2-3 to Norman Smith's 23 spliced''' for the Southwell Diocesan Guild at Kinsbury, Warwickshire on 9th July 1991 (5152 in 3hr 6m 17cwt). 1 Andrew D Higson '''2-3 Andrew B Mills''' 4 Frances Dodds 5 David J Pipe 6 David G Hull 7 David G Adams 8 Paul Needham. Conducted by David G Hull. Most Spliced major methods yet rung double-handed. The most methods currently rung double-handed is 196 Spliced Plain Minor at Millcroft Campanile by Jeremy W Spiller

On 29 Mar 2002* a band of '''6 ringers''' rang the first '''double handed peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus''' on the Piltdown House Campanile in 3 hours and 7 minutes (RW ref 4747.0388) 1-2 Andrew J Mitchell 3-4 Stephen J Mills 5-6 Michael P A Wilby 7-8 David J Pipe 9-10 Andrew B Mills 11-12 Anthony M Daw TENOR 22lb 7oz in Eflat *The website shows the date as Friday April 29th 2002 [http://www.piltdown.org.uk/campanilepeals.htm]

'''Peter L R Hayward''' became the first person to ring '''two non-adjacent''' bells to a peal when he rang the treble and fourth to a peal of Plain Bob Minor at Ossington, Notts on 24 Jul 1980. He has since rung peals of minor on every possible combination of pairs of bells (adjacent and non-adjacent).

==Call Changes==
Often thought to be a learning curve to more complicated Change-Ringing, Call-Changes are rung in Devon to a near perfect standard - however the (full) '''5040 extent on 7 bells''' has only ever been rung by Call-Changes twice.

With all changes (prior and subseqeuent to a call) being unrepeated this represents a 'huge' achievement in both memory for the conductor(s), and concentration of the band itself!

The first performance on 17th March 1990 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57904] was rung in 6hr 36min at Buckland in the Moor, Devon by a local band and included 3 conductors.

The second performance on 30th September 2000 [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57906] was completed in 5hr 33min at the same tower (Buckland in the Moor, Devon) but by just one conductor '''Paul J Pascoe''', and remains the longest touch of '''Unrepeated Call-Changes''' yet called by one single conductor - with most changes being called at EVERY handstroke.

As a warm up, '''1000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (28th December 1999) [http://campanophile.com/view.aspx?57910] and '''2000 Unrepeated Call-Changes''' (1st September 2000) [http://www.campanophile.com/view.aspx?57909] were also achieved before the day - these also being the '''longest touches of Call-Changes by a single conductor''' prior to the performance on the day!

Both performances remain the longest and only times that Call-Changes have yet been rung to the extent on 7 bells - '''the illusive Call-Change 'peal' '''.

==Emulating Ringers of the Past==

'''Richard B Grimmett''' on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 conducted a peal of Stedman Triples wearing a blindfold throughout, emulating W H Barber's achievement at Gateshead on February 21st, 1908. [http://www.campanophile.co.uk/show.aspx?Code=46938].

Herbert Knight became the first person to conduct a peal of Stedman Triples whilst blindfolded on 12th October, 1907. He used Thurstan’s One-Part peal and it was his eight attempt. Ref: [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ Bill Butler's blog]

==Most Bells Rung to Changes==
[[Image:Rwcentenary24belltouch.png|right|thumb|300px|Grid of the 100 change RW Centenary touch on 24 bells]]

===Most handbells rung to a touch===

The greatest number of handbells rung to changes is 24. On 26 March 2011, at the Methodist Hall, Westminster, London, 100 changes were rung on 24 bells by 12 ringers in front of an audience of approximately 1000 ringers at the Ringing World's centenary celebration. The eight minute touch was composed especially for the occasion by Philip Earis and the only opportunity for the ringers to practice was earlier that day. The ringers were: 1-2 Jenny Butler; 3-4 Mark Eccleston; 5-6 Philip Earis; 7-8 Philip Saddleton; 9-10 John Hughes-D'Aeth; 11-12 Paul Mounsey; 13-14 David Brown; 15-16 David Pipe (Conductor); 17-18 Tom Hinks; 19-20 Alex Byrne; 21-22 Simon Melen; 23-24 Michael Wilby. A grid of the 100 change touch is shown to the right.

'''Videos of the 24-bell ringing'''

#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-fCRBNTNp0 close-up of the front bell ringers]
#[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx_cTkvpqbk from the audience's perspective]

==Handbell Peals==

===Most Handbells Rung to a Peal===

The greatest number of handbells rung to a peal is 22. 5040 Little Bob Twenty-two was rung at Bray on 9 July, 1978.

===Sixteen Bells, Eight Methods===
The '''greatest number of S methods to a peal on sixteen bells''' was rung in MELBOURNE, Derbys on Mon Jun 9 1997 3h49 (18). 5056 Spliced Surprise Sixteen (8m: 768 Newgate; 704 York; 640 Ealing, Parkhurst, Sawley, Wembley; 576 Feering; 448 Leatherhead: 78 com.) Composed by David J Marshall. 1-2 Rupert A Clarke 3-4 Robert B Smith (C) 5-6 John M Jelley 7-8 Simon C Melen 9-10 Paul Jopp 11-12 Roland H Cook 13-14 David J Marshall 15-16 Christopher M Wulkau [http://derbyda.org.uk/performances/peal/dda1997.htm]

===Four in hand===
On Mon Nov 4 1991 in 3h (12)in Sawley, Derbys a peal of 5040 Yorkshire Surprise Royal (Arr RBS) was rung with the following 4 ringers: 1-2 Paul Jopp 3-4 Robert B Smith (cond) 5-6 John Jelley '''7-8-9-0 Simon C Melen''' (ref "four in hand" Page 1100,1156 RW 1991). Possibly the only other occasions that such a feat was accomplished were on 21st October 1926 when '''Edward Hims rang 1,2,3,4''' to a peal of Stedman Doubles at Bicester. ref Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.ismysite.co.uk/pealbase/ On This Day] and when '''William (Bill) H Male rang 1, 2, 3, 4''' to a peal of Grandsire/Plain Bob Doubles in Warwick St Mary's ringing room on 30th April 1964, (Geoff Randall ringing the tenors to his first handbell peal).

==Tapping Peals==
'''Arthur T. Morris''' on 26th August, 1921 tapped out a peal of 5600 London S Major on handbells (ref article by Joe Roast in the RW in 1976)

'''Elijah Roberts''' on 30th June 1833 tapped 5016 Stedman Cinques on handbells at Birmingham. Henry Cooper called the bobs, and Henry Johnson was a witness. (ref: Edward Martin and further details from Bill Butler's [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ]). He surpassed this peformance on 23rd March 1837 when he tapped 19,440 Kent Treble Bob Maximus, taking 13 hours and 43 minutes. (ref RW1911/514)

'''Harry Withers''' in Birmingham tapped several peals out. It is also understood that he did about 3 hours of Kent Treble Bob 20 but ran out of time. This would have been circa 1910 (ref: Richard Grimmett).

'''Samuel Thurston''' on 1st July 1809 tapped on handbells plain courses of Bob Triples, Bob Major, Reverse Bob Major, Double Bob Major and Grandsire Caters. A contemporary account notes: "This was considered to be the greatest performance ever completed by one man in the world." (ref: Bill Butler's Blog [http://www.pealbase.co.uk "On this day" ])

'''Bill Male''' could "ring" Holt's Original on the model tower that he built. It has 10 bells and is sounded by pressing down wooden keys. It is now situated in the ringing room at St Mary's church in Warwick.

===On a Piano===

'''John Harrold''' could play Bob Major on the piano when he was a young lad in the 1970s (Martin Kirk).

'''Harry Withers''' also played a plain course of Scientific Triples, possibly on a piano, which was the first time that it had been heard! (ref: Edward Martin).

'''Roger Baldwin''' could play Bristol Major on the piano and still hold a conversation whilst he was at Nottingham University in the 1970's recalls Pat Halls.

'''Laurie Wey''' used to play Cambridge Max on the piano according to what Tony Nunn has heard.

'''Bill Male''' is said to be able play "Holt's Orignal" on the piano and also the violin.

== Singing Ringing ==

'''Clement Glenn''' used to entertain Southwell Guild meetings by singing touches of Stedman Triples.
He would invite listeners to put the bobs in, but there were never any volunteers. (David Marshall)

===On a Saxaphone===

'''Mr W C Hunt''' played a course of Duffield on a saxophone as part of the entertainment at the Society of Sherwood Youths 1926 annual dinner in Nottingham (RW1926/90) (with thanks to Bill Butler's [http://pealbase.co.uk/|"On This Day"])

==Walking to Ring a Peal==
Possibly not so unusual at the time ringers of the Society of Sherwood Youths on Tue May 23 1820 '''walked from Nottingham to Chesterfield, approx 28 miles''', to ring a peal for the "opening of the bells".
[[Category: Articles]]