A Tribute: Jonathan P. Hughes RIP - Our Patron

Jonathan Phillip Hughes 1983 –2005

Jonathan was born and brought up in Coventry. He was educated at Wyken Croft Primary School and then the Blue Coat School achieving 3 ‘A’ Levels in Physics, Design Technology and Art. Jonathan obtained a degree in Architectural Design Technology, graduating from Coventry University in November 2005. During this time and following his graduation he had placements in a number of Architectural practices in order to broaden his experience and embrace new challenges. Jonathan was continuing his studies at the University of Central England working towards RIBA membership.

Jonathan initially started ringing the handbells but it was the tower bells that really captured his interest. At age 8 he approached Ray Sheasby, the tower captain at St Michael’s Stoke, and was told he was too small and to come back when he was 9. He again presented himself on his 9th birthday and was taken to St Mary’s, Walsgrave, where the bells were lighter and easier to handle. Early on he was introduced to ringing at Coventry Cathedral, where he met Andrew Middlicott who was to become a life-long friend and mentor. Jonathan rang his first peal at Evesham Bell Tower in 1997, conducted by Ray Sheasby. Jonathan was a very competent ringer and conductor and was elected to the ‘Ancient Society of College Youths’ in 2001. Besides ringing many quarter peals he achieved notable success as a 12-bell ringer, advancing through attendance at Coventry Cathedral and in Birmingham where he aspired to match their high standards. Having conquered 8-spliced surprise major he went on to ring peals up to Stedman Cinques and Bristol Surprise Maximus and was further honing his skills with quarters of Avon, Zanussi and Orion Surprise Maximus, the latter for his 21st birthday. 

Jonathan was always passionate about ringing and he progressed to be Tower Captain and Steeple Keeper at St Michael’s Stoke, Steeple Keeper at Coventry Cathedral, helped with ringing at St Mary’s Walsgrave and was involved with tower maintenance at a number of Warwickshire towers. He would always make time for anything to do with bell ringing. Many holidays in the UK were spent visiting bell towers. For many years the family holidayed at St Austell in Cornwall, where he built up strong links with the ringers at Probus and was passionate about helping them develop their ringing skills. Every year Jonathan insisted that he be taken to the Exeter Cathedral practice on Monday evening, which involved his mother driving all the way back up to Devon – on one occasion in fog!

Besides bell ringing Jonathan was interested in trains, fast cars, deep-sea fishing and music. He was a member of Mensa and also enjoyed playing the piano. His interest in design extended to work in his parent’s home, where he re-designed the building and its interior, insisting that the kitchen worktops should be granite. Jonathan firmly believed products should be true and not imitation. His most recent project involved work on his friend’s new property, where he teasingly suggested transparent waste pipes. His love of design and passion for bells culminated in building a 15-foot high mini-ring in his garden. The first quarter peal was rung on 23rd January 2005. The mini-ring was well used by both new and experienced ringers and was particularly useful as a teaching tool.

Jonathan had exceptional teaching skills and had introduced over 25 ringers to the art, bringing together probably the foremost young group of ringers in the Diocese. His ambition was to produce a band to win the National 12-bell contest and many of the people he taught formed the current young band. In the last two years they have won the Coventry Guild called changes competition cup.

Jonathan’s charisma touched many. He had a natural and easy way with people across all age groups. He was very enthusiastic and willing to share his love and knowledge of bell ringing. Although never wishing to cause offence, Jonathan had very strong views on issues close to his heart and was always ready to speak out. He once said to his mother, when she indicated moderation might be best, ‘ I much prefer to have an opinion and express it rather than sit on the fence,’ however he did add ‘ I do need a moderate level headed partner so that between us we come out with the best solutions’ (here he was referring to Jeanette, his ‘sweetie’). 

Jonathan met Jeanette in December 2003 through the online bellringing group Mini-Ringerz. Ever thorough, Jonathan did his research on Jeanette before they met in person, checking Campanophile to ensure her ringing potential was up to scratch! They met up nearly every weekend for 18 months throughout University, until Jeanette moved up to Coventry to be with Jonathan in July 2005. Jonathan was often seen blowing Jeanette kisses across the ringing circle – causing a few embarrassing incidences when the kisses accidentally got directed at the wrong person!

Jonathan tragically died after an accidental fall whilst working alone in Stoke, St Michael’s tower on 20th December, 2005. The church was packed for his funeral on 5th January with family, friends and fellow ringers. A moving service included brave contributions from his mother, sister and girlfriend. Three leads of Bristol S. Major were rung on handbells during the service and open ringing took place in the tower afterwards.

He will be remembered by many for wanting to push the limits of bell ringing that little bit further. He never sought self-gratification but was passionate about the future of bell ringing and his zeal for encouraging young new ringers was to ensure the ancient art of bell ringing would never die. This has to be his greatest legacy.

Annette Hughes
Kevin Hughes
Jeanette Lord
Andrew Middlicott