12/06/2026
Sisters Angela and Jackie Henderson, and Harry Thorne-Henderson, Angela’s 19 year old son, spend around 11 hours each week ringing the bells at Taunton Minster in Somerset.
Earlier this year, they were recognised for their talents with an award from the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART).
Jackie said: “Ringing as a family keeps us active and gives us good quality time together. It also builds confidence as there’s lots of new things to learn and challenges you have to overcome. Bellringing is a great pastime giving us both a physical and mental workout.
“It’s also a great way to socialise and meet people and be part of a community – it’s definitely a fun hobby and I would encourage others to give it a go.”
Angela, Jackie and Harry all started ringing in 2017 after attending an open tower day at St Mary’s Church, Taunton, now Taunton Minster. Jackie continued: “We have had some lovely experiences ringing at different churches throughout the diocese and beyond. Harry was only 12 years old when we went with the Associations Young Ringers to Liverpool cathedral.
“The cathedral is one of the tallest cathedrals in England and houses the heaviest ring of bells in the world. Harry helped ring the tenor, the heaviest bell in the peal which weighs in at 4½ Tons, 9195lb or 4171kg and he also got to ring on all 12 bells. This was one of the highlights in our ringing journey. Harry has started to learn about bell maintenance - he thoroughly enjoys this area of ringing and loves crawling round bells and frames.
“In many ways we have just started our ringing journey, and we all look forward to the future with the help of the many friends we have made.”