Brixham church Tower Captain hands over the bells after 20 years

The chime has come for change St. Mary’s Church in Brixham. After nearly 20 years as Tower Captain, Guy Thompson has decided to stand down and give someone else the honour to act as captain.

That privilege was given to Mark Claxon, who was formally nominated at the Bellringers’ AGM last week.

Guy’s legacy is a long one, having rung bells at St. Mary’s Church since he was 11 years old.

“It’s been a few years!” said Guy.
 
“Nearing retirement age now, I feel the time may be right for me to hand over the reins to someone else. However, I hope to continue to ring at St. Mary's on a regular basis for many years to come.”

Having been a bellringer his entire life, Guy is still keen to continue. He explained why he’s loved doing it for all those years.

“I shall just say that bellringing is an extremely sociable hobby, in that a ringer can just turn up at a strange tower on a practice evening or a Sunday morning for service ringing and they will be made most welcome.  

“Furthermore, if a ringer moves around the Country with their work, they will have an instant circle of friends with a similar interest. Certainly, that has rung true in my own experience.”

Guy added: “Not only that, bell ringing is also good aerobic exercise!  However, I feel the most important aspects are the sociable, friendship aspects to ringing.  All classes of society mix well together to ring bells.  From a Doctor, a University Professor or Solicitor to a manual worker.  Bellringing is entirely 'classless' - and extremely sociable.  

“I encourage anyone in good health to come and see what is involved - and perhaps even have a go.”

If you would like any information about becoming a Bellringer in Brixham, please contact the new Tower captain Mark on 07477983888.