In January 2005 the Ripon Cathedral Bell Appeal was launched by the Ripon Cathedral Society of Change Ringers. For the first time in many years the Cathedral Society is experienced enough to consider ringing on 12 bells. However the current installation is not well suited to the training of new bell ringers, in particular the weight of the current bells and the internal layout of the bell tower hinder the progress of new recruits. The appeal seeks to advance the tradition of bell ringing at Ripon by the creation of a full peal of 12 bells, and to make Ripon Cathedral more effective at recruiting and training the next generation of bell ringers. 

 The key aims of the appeal are:- 

• To complete a ring of 12 bells by the addition of 2 smaller bells to the current 10 bells. The new ring will allow cathedral bell ringers to practice advanced change ringing and help assure the future of traditional change ringing in the area
• Install a 13^th semitone bell which will provide a light weight ring of 8 bells when used in combination with the smaller bells of the new ring of 12. The light ring will be much easier for trainees to handle and will allow Ripon Cathedral to be much more effective in the recruitment and training of new bell ringers.
• Installation of a rope guide to make the bells easier to handle.

 The scheme has the full approval of the cathedral Dean and Chapter but the support is moral and not financial. Therefore the cathedral bell ringers have agreed to raise the full amount of funding required and are working closely with the cathedral authorities to ensure that fundraising does not interfere with other fund raising initiatives. The Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers are also fully supportive of the scheme and have offered a £3000 grant to the appeal

The cathedral bell ringers have organisised a number of fundraising activities including a Teddy Bear Parachute Jump from the south west tower, and tower open days to keep the appeal in the public eye. The cathedral bell ringers are also donating  the smallest of the new bells and a sponsor has offered to fund the new 2nd bell. We are currently seeking sponsors for the 13th semitone bell and the rehanging of each of the exisiting bells in the new framwork.

To date the appeal has raised £22,500 of the £40,000 required. Please  contact us if you would like to make a donation to the appeal and help secure the future of bell ringing at Ripon Cathedral.