Here at the cathedral the bells are famous for being the oldest ring of ten bells in the world, so it’s particularly appropriate that we should be marking this anniversary. Back in the eighteenth century there were very few ringers in the land capable of such an extraordinary feat of mental and physical concentration so it was not until 1763 that the first full peal was rung in Derby. These days the challenge presented by ringing church bells non-stop for three hours has hardly diminished, but we are fortunate in having a band of ringers with sufficient experience to attempt the challenge. Listen out for the bells on Sunday afternoon for we are continuing the tradition of one of England’s oldest performance arts. 

Martin Whiteley
Ringing Master