Bellringer's delight is no surprise

Exactly a year ago today, Audlem Online ran the story of three of Audlem's bellringers reaching the age of 60 during 2006 and that to celebrate the milestone they were going to attempt to ring 60 quarter peals. We promised to keep you updated on their progress.

Just in case you have forgotten, a quarter peal is a complex manoeuvre that takes approximately 40 minutes and involves 1,260 changes. Each change is a different permutation of the order in which the bells are rung.

Unfortunately two of the campanologists dropped a clanger on the way and didn't stay the course. However, we are extremely pleased to let you know that one of the ringers, Christine Johnson, had a striking success and pulled off the feat – with three days to spare. Christine had been so determined to stay the distance that she travelled many miles to cross the line. In addition to ringing at Audlem, she also managed to sally forth to places as far afield as Quatt, near Bridgnorth and, on one occasion, churches at Eyam, Hope and Tissington in Derbyshire all on the same day.

Christine, who retired from teaching during the year, expressed her delight in completing the challenge and added that "it was a close call, but I followed it through single-mindedly. I would also like to thank all of the bellringers who helped me out, especially the Audlem band."

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