SURREY CHARACTERS

While we might not be able to visit our favourite Surrey venues at the moment, it’s important to remember those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make them the special places they are. As we celebrate Surrey Day on May 2, Tinx Newton hears from five of the county’s devoted characters

- Tinx Newton

PHILLIP RIDLEY, BELLRINGER AT GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL

The role of a bellringer may be a mystery for those who have never visited a bell tower and seen a group of people bring a peal of bells to life. Fewer still will have climbed the 100 steps to the top of Guildford Cathedral to discover what lies behind the 12 historic bells that ring out across the city at ceremonies and services.

Phillip Ridley has climbed those stairs many times for he is one of a hardworking bellringing team that ring at the Cathedral for special occasions. “I have been ringing since I was 11. My parents were keen bellringers, in fact they met through bellringing, and their passion was passed onto me,” he explains. “I rang throughout my schooldays and when I went to university in Plymouth I wanted to carry on as I enjoy it so much. Joining a local group helped me integrate with everyday society, and not just be immersed in student life.”

Phillip is now part of a select group skilled enough to ring a full peal, meaning continuous ringing comprising over 5,000 changes and lasting about 3.5 hours. In the past few years he has been invited to ring at St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and at the birth of Prince Louis. He feels very privileged to ring at such historic venues.

“It has been amazing ringing at such important events, and every time I climb the Guildford Cathedral steps, I feel I’m a contributing to a part of history somehow,” he says. “As well as being quite physically demanding, bellringing is good for mental well-being – there is something meditative about ringing the peals, and working in a team brings great companionship.”