Young Ringers

14 Worcester young ringers went to the Ringing World National Youth Contest (RWNYC) in Birmingham on 5th July 2025, eight of whom participated in the competition representing Worcester Cathedral Young Ringers. There were over 300 young ringers from all over the country, making up 37 teams across five competitions. Our squad had a great time, their test piece was rung at St Barnabas Erdington they also rang at Erdington Abbey, St Paul’s jewellery quarter and St Martins in the Bull Ring, the presentation ceremony at the end of the day was also held there. We were absolutely thrilled that for the second year running, our team won the Advanced Eight Bell Call Change Competition with a score of 9 out of 10. Just fantastic and so well deserved.
This group of youngsters all ring in different towers throughout our Association but come together on a Saturday morning under the Safeguarding arm of the Cathedral and their ringing base is St Martins in the Cornmarket, Worcester, a lovely light ring of 10. Once a month they ring at the Cathedral either for a Saturday morning practice or a Sunday afternoon Evensong service, proving their ability to ring on much heavier bells also. Occasionally we go on a mini outing to a couple of churches. Any young ringer is welcome to come and join in. Do let me, Diane, know if you have a young ringer who is interested. I can then give you more information.
Young ringers from Northern, Southern and Western Branches participated in the Interbranch Striking Competition at Great Hampton in October and formed two competing teams, one Northern, one mixed. The mixed team won, all six winning team members will hold the trophy for a couple of months throughout the year. All participants received a medal.
The Worcester group of young ringers, decorated the old bells in the cloisters as part of Worcester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival and then went on for a morning’s fun of bowling and had lunch together for their Christmas ‘Do’.
We shall again be entering the RWNYC in 2026, this is being hosted in Nottingham on Saturday 4th July. Your young ringer could be part of our squad, in fact, we need more young ringers to join because five of last year’s band have graduated now from the youth band as they have reached the ripe old age of 19! There will be lots of open ringing in a range of churches as well as the competition piece, always a great day for them and so confidence building. Do get in touch soon.
Tower Captains, please do get in touch if you have young ringers, and we can provide you with details to pass to their parents so they can be included with this group, have opportunities to get together and ring with other young ringers. It is really good for them to ring with their peers and they have great fun.