100th anniversary peal at Ilkeston

The bells (& tower) of Ilkeston were dedicated during 1910, recast by John Taylor & Co. Below is an extract from the Bell News (24th  December 1910). Click to enlarge.

There were 5 peals on the old bells - the first peal of Major was Bristol in 1908, which was only the 17th peal of Bristol ever rung and the second in Derbyshire (there was a peal at Ashover 2 days before!). This was rung by a touring party with the famous William Pye on the tenor. Further history of the bells can be read in 'The Church Bells of Derbyshire by Pat Halls and George Dawson.

196 peals later saw a peal of Bristol marking the 100th anniversary. Seven Derby DA members were joined by Ian Campbell (from St Pauls Cathedral, London) to ring a peal in 2 hours 56 minutes (eight minutes quicker than the 1908 peal!). Richard Stevenson and Ian Campbell learnt to ring together, but this was their first peal together.

The Band, left - right: front row  bells 1 - 4, back row bells 5 - 8.

Derby Diocesan Association

Ilkeston, Derbys, St. Mary V

Wednesday, 14 July 2010 in 2h56 (17)

5088 Bristol S. Major

Composed: DF Morrison no. 62

1   Richard M Stevenson
2   Anthony P Cotton
3   John V Chadwick
4   Robert J Marchbank
5   Alec Humphrey
6   F Gordon Faulks
7   Simon Humphrey (C)
8   Ian G Campbell

For the 100th anniversary of the re-casting and re-hanging of the bells, and to compliment Michael and Laura Stevenson on the birth of their son Harry Michael.