Kirby Bellars Handbell Ringers 1913

In the summer of 1913, enlivened by their recent excursion to Skegness, the Kirby Bellars Handbell Ringers decided to have their photograph taken. The ringers pronounced their annual outing to the seaside “a very enjoyable day” and “all were satisfied with the trip”. For a total cost of £4. 0s.8d (£4.03), including train fares in a reserved compartment, taxis, dinners and teas, 11 ringers had enjoyed the attractions of Skegness, including sea-bathing and at least some of them even found time for a visit to the church.

With a little money still left in the kitty, Mr Ward, Captain of the Ringers, engaged the services of Mr Manchester of Melton Mowbray as photographer. On the evening of Monday 18 August 1913, 11 of the ringers assembled in Kirby Bellars churchyard to have their photographs taken. The minute book kept by the Secretary, Mr Slatter, records that one photograph was taken with hats on and one with hats off. Mr Manchester was paid £1 for his professional services, and a total of 21 prints were ordered at the cost of one shilling (5p) apiece, with the “hats off” version proving most popular by 14 to 7. One, at least, of the “hats off” photographs survived and hangs in the ringing room in St Peter’s Church and is reproduced here.

H.W. Flint was not able to be in the photograph.

Do you recall those bellringers of old, or know of their relatives still living in the area today, or have a copy of the “hats on” photograph?

If so, we would be delighted to hear any stories you may have of their doings.