A local handbell team is appealing for help to find a permanent practice base in Stone or nearby, ahead of its 50th anniversary in February 2027.
A move closer to home
Starting life in a room above the Red Lion on Stone High Street, The Inn Ringers now rehearse at St Luke’s Church Hall in Tittensor. Due to unavoidable circumstances, the group needs a new, long-term venue for Monday night practices as well as secure storage for their bells and equipment.
Musical Director Paul Mellor said: ‘we are looking to relocate to Stone or the local vicinity. We need space to store the bells and equipment, a trailer and space to ring the bells on our Monday night practice sessions. Ideally, a village hall, school hall or similar’.
At present, the bells and kit are kept at a private address and transported to and from rehearsals. As the collection has grown, moving everything each week has become less viable. The team hopes a local venue can offer a single base that keeps rehearsals and storage under one roof.
What the Inn Ringers need
If you have access to a suitable space or can help make introductions, the team is looking for:
- Location in Stone or the local vicinity
- Availability on Monday evenings for weekly practice
- A hall space large enough to set up tables and ring as a full team
- On-site secure storage for handbells, cases and stands
- Space or safe parking for a small trailer
- Accessible entry for people and equipment
If you can help, please contact Paul by email at paulmellor@aol.com
Keeping a local tradition ringing
As one of the largest handbell teams in the country still performing regularly, The Inn Ringers have played an active part in community life for decades. With their 50th birthday on the horizon, they are keen to secure a venue that supports both the weekly rhythm of practice and the long-term care of their instruments.
Paul added: ‘we are coming up to celebrating our 50th anniversary and I would like to think we can carry on well beyond that milestone and keep the tradition of handbell ringing going for many more years. The Inn Ringers are one of the largest teams in the country who still perform on a regular basis and it would be such a shame if we ever got to the stage where we have insufficient ringers to continue’.
New ringers welcome
Alongside the venue appeal, the team is also looking for new recruits. No prior handbell experience is necessary, and full guidance is provided at rehearsals. If you are curious, you are welcome to come along, watch a session and see how the music comes together.
To register your interest in joining, or to arrange a visit, email paulmellor@aol.com.
Upcoming performances
While the search for a new base continues, the group remains active on the concert calendar, including:
- Heart of England Handbell Society annual rally at Kingsbury
- Annual Christmas concert on Saturday 13 December at Meir Heath Village Hall
How local venues and groups can help
If you manage or have links with any of the following, the team would love to hear from you:
- Village and community halls
- School or college halls
- Church halls and community spaces
- Corporate or charitable venues with evening availability
Even if you cannot host permanently, suggestions and introductions are welcome. Sharing this appeal with venue managers, PTAs, church wardens or hall committees could make all the difference.
Can you help The Inn Ringers find their new home, or fancy giving handbell ringing a try?
Drop Paul a line at paulmellor@aol.com.
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