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First started ringing 40 plus years ago at Ecclesfield Grammar School. I put my name down for a practice night after school to see what handbell ringing was like. The school team rang on the original set of handbells, which we used to string together like onions and store in an old tea chest. From the very beginning, I loved it and couldn't wait for the next practice.

On leaving school I asked if I could join the main village team and started 'doubling up' for a trial period next to an experienced ringer, who had been ringing just about 50 years already at that time. I thought I was reasonably competent so far, but there was no slowing down for a beginner. The conductor gave the time and we were off at full speed. - amazing - totally in a class beyond the level I had just been playing at school. Three months later I performed my first 'proper' public concert.

I attended the first get together of handbell ringers organised by the Norbury handbell Ringers in 1966, and the inauguration the following year of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain; Ecclesfield Handbell ringers becoming Team registered Number 3, with the Ecclesfield Grammar School team later as team number 31.

After a spell as secretary, and the death of our conductor, Granville Mitchell, I began conducting our younger team. We endeavoured to join the experienced and younger teams together to help and support each other and following on from the death of our conductor Conrad Gregory, I became musical director - almost by default.

I have led the team on countless concerts, been asked to run many workshops and masterclasses for the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain. I have given talks to everyone from Women's Institute, National Trust, churches, Engineers and local school children, scouts and guides. This is all due to the training I have been given by the previous ringers in Ecclesfield, which I am now passing to future ringers.

I am proud that the Ecclesfield Handbell Ringers have been able to produce a further recording to mark over 100 years of ringing in Ecclesfield, including many arrangements by current ringers.

Work, marriage, family of 2 boys have been fitted in around and following handbell ringing. My husband and our sons, though all musical, decided that one mad handbell ringer in the family was quite sufficient and though never wanting to ring, all have helped with the countless backroom tasks like polishing, tea making, selling tickets that go along with having a handbell ringer in the family.