Could you describe briefly what the Ringing World is and does?

Some people have described it as "the glue which holds ringing together". I think the Ringing World does this, and keeps ringing together. People can find out what their ringing friends have been doing and it is a way in which they can keep in touch.

What does being Editor of the Ringing World involve?

Basically my job does everything: I edit, sub-edit, proof read and commission articles. I am also the public face of the company, so I get to attend Receptions, where sometimes I will do some public speaking. Each day is different! Mondays and Tuesdays are usually the most hectic as that is when the Ringing World goes to press. There is a cut off of midday on Tuesday, when the final copy is sent to the Printers. If the copy is not sent by then, the RW is in breach of contract with the Printers, and can be fined.

Do you enjoy it?

Mostly, yes!

How long have you been Editor?

Over three years now: I started in March 2000.

What made you want to be Editor?

A good question! I was in another job, where I had to edit the staff magazine. That had given me some experience in the world of Journalism, but I wanted a career change. The position of Editor of the Ringing World came up, which is quite a rare job opening. I applied and took the challenge!

Do you have any tips for aspiring future Editors?

You need the ability to ask questions, and to "probe deeper".

As you are the Editor of the Ringing World, does that mean you are also automatically a member of the Central Council, or do you represent another Guild/Association as well?

No, I am elected as an Honorary Member because non members are not allowed to speak at the actual meeting. This is because as Editor I may occasionally have a useful input to discussions. I am also a member of the Public Relations committee in an ex officio capacity. That is because a lot of the Editor's work involves PR for the Exercise and I need to be in close touch with others working in this area.

Where is your home tower?

I ring all over the place! But I regard my home tower as St. Vedast, Foster Lane, London (a 16 cwt ring of 6) as that is where I learnt to ring.

Did you learn to ring as a young person?

Fairly, I was in my mid twenties when I learnt to ring.

What made you take ringing up?

It was one of those things I always wanted to do but never got the chance. It was always an ambition of mine to learn to ring.

Who taught you to ring?

Lorna Champney taught me to ring.

What is your favourite method?

I enjoy listening to Stedman, but I also like ringing Cambridge Surprise Minor.

Where is your favourite ring of bells?

I have lots of favourites! St. Lawrence Jewry, London, because of their sound, also Chewton Mendip, Somerset, and St. James Clerkenwell (London). I would also have to say St. Vedast Foster Lane, as it is my home tower.

Click below to hear a clip of the glorious bells at Chewton Mendip, Somerset.

What did you ring for your first quarter peal and where did you ring it?

I covered to Plain Bob Doubles on the middle six at St. Giles Cripplegate, London (a 34 cwt ring of 12) which is quite a weird thing to do!

What did you ring for your first peal and where did you ring it?

I rang the treble to Grandsire Triples at St. Mary's Oatlands, Surrey.

How many peals and quarter peals have you rung in total?

I have rung well over 300 peals. I have no idea now how many quarters I have rung - but it is probably at least twice the number of peals!

Do you count towers? How many have you rung at?

No! I have no idea how many towers I have rung in.

Do any of your family members ring?

Yes, I persuaded my father to learn in his retirement and he still rings. My 17-year old nephew Rupert is a keen ringer as well. He started as a thirteen year old at Winchester College - a school that is lucky enough to have its own ring of six bells. We ring together whenever we can and I do my best to encourage him - I have taken him on a peal week in August for the last three years running. We are going to Worcester this year. But like most teenagers, he has a lot of other interests too, including rowing.

Which Guilds/Associations are you a member of?

I am a member of St. Mary Abbots Kensington; the Ancient Society of College Youths; the Middlesex County Association and the London Diocesan Guild; the Bath and Wells Diocesan Association; the London County Association; the Surrey Association, and the Guildford Diocesan Guild. (i.e. lots!)

Where is the heaviest bell you have rung?

I have rung York Minster tenor to a quarter peal. (This weighs over 59 cwt). It was a terrific challenge and, in all fairness, I probably didn't make a brilliant job of it. However, I was very pleased to get through to the end! I also rang the tenor at Exeter Cathedral (72cwt) very briefly with someone 'strapping' - that was really scary!! I really admire people who have the stamina and skill to ring bells like this to peals and make it look so easy.

What do you consider your greatest ringing achievement?

My biggest ringing achievement is probably sticking at it! I was a relatively slow learner, and I got to the stage where I nearly gave it up, but the dedication of the band around me helped me keep going. I am also proud of ringing some of the heavier bells that I have rung - I particularly enjoy covering.

In the Ringing World there used to be a monthly section called "Planet Bell", which was especially for young ringers.
What happened to it?

Well the previous Editor Tina Stoecklin started that and it was an excellent initiative. There were quite a few other problems to get to grips with when I took over as Editor and, although I managed to keep it going for a while, Planet Bell unfortunately proved difficult to sustain. However, I would be keen to get something along those lines started again. The problem with any regular monthly feature is that you need a constant flow of quality material to keep it going. If we had that - and perhaps a young person willing to help coordinate/commission articles - then I'm sure it could be restarted in some form. One thing I would add though - it is really important not to patronise young people when devising features that are specially aimed at them. One challenge for Planet Bell was the very wide age-range that it encompassed. (So if all the young ringers out there sent in articles for Planet Bell, then it could get going again!)

Are you in charge of the design for the Ringing World Diary?

Not directly. One of The Ringing World's Directors usually takes this on, although I am consulted about it and may have an input..

Are there any plans to promote the Diary towards young ringers, this is because the cover colours from the past few years have been uninspiring! (2003- browm, 2002- red (which was OK), 2001- green, 2000, blue, 1999-grey, 1998- a yucky brown colour)

Well, there are certain restrictions with the printers and what colours they can produce. When I started at the Ringing World, I re-introduced the old masthead, which has proved popular. Maybe the cover colours could have something done about them as well.

Have you ever had anyone do work experience (for their school) at the Ringing World Office?

Not while I have been Editor, but I think previous Editors may have had people doing work experience in the office before.

Thank you Robert Lewis for making time to be interviewed. Anyone with any suggestions or volunteers to go into the 'Hot Seat', contact the Webmaster!

To see the previous interview which featured on this page (with Michael Henshaw, President of the Central Council) click here.

This page was last updated on 19/7/03