Jean Walters, who discovered bell ringing at the age of 67, found a new passion that allowed her to express herself after losing her singing voice due to decades of teaching. Celebrating her 80th birthday, she rang eight different methods, a reflection of her journey. Her initial love for making noise stems from a background in music and teaching, making bell ringing not just a hobby but a fulfillment of her lifelong love for sound. The bells have given her a renewed voice and connection to her community.
I just loved the idea that I was making this big noise in Meltham. Making a noise was something Walters had always done, as a lifelong singer and member of choirs.
I knew immediately it was something that I could develop and would be good for me. Just before her 70th birthday, she rang her first quarter peal nonstop ringing without a mistake for 45 minutes.
I just love the sound of bells. Walters first heard them aged five, from her bedroom in Tottenham, north London. They’ve given her a different voice.
Before I heard the bells in my garden, three decades of teaching caught up with me and my voice went. Suddenly there was this part of me missing.
Six months ago, she learned to ring methods with names like 'Grandsire.' For Walters, bell ringing has become a joyful culmination of her life's journey.
Collection
[
|
...
]