The Western Branch is one of the nine branches of the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers (church bell ringers). The branch represents towers and ringers within the old West Riding of Yorkshire from South Huddersfield through Calderdale (Halifax), Bradford, and into the Yorkshire Dales. At the last count, we have 62 churches with a ring of 5 or more bells, and over 400 ringers spread amongst them. Although the Branch is geographically large, we aim to keep good contact between ringers by holding our activities in as many locations as we can, and encouraging members to travel outside their normal ringing area. A number of smaller clusters have risen informally to cover local needs, especially training, supported by the Branch. Also in the south, the Halifax Archdeaconry Guild holds meetings and act as a cluster alongside the Branch, and members tend to belong to both organisations.
There is plenty of ringing, most towers are active, and indeed there are very few towers with bells that are considered unringable. Visitors can be assured of a good welcome wherever they go, and information can be obtained from the Branch Secretary, Sheila Bloomfield.
Idle & Calverley
21st December 2024 12.15 to 4.00pm
Western Branch
17th February 2024
Western Branch
A branch quarter peal week was held from 9-18 February 2024. A total of eight quarters was scored, including a number of firsts. Congratulations in particular to:
Annie Faulkner - first
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20th January 2024
Western Branch
The Branch organised a series of 4 Training Courses for winter. The subjects were Listening & Striking; Five/Six Bell Methods; Leading Down & Up in Peal; Introduction to Conducting. Each
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8th July 2023
Western Branch
The second Branch Quarter Peal Week of the year was held from 8 to 16 July 2023. 11 quarters were rung. Many included firsts of method - well done in
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