A 27-year-old professional jazz musician based in Madeley, Staffordshire is leading a youth bell ringing group that meets regularly across south Cheshire and north Staffordshire. Sam Martin set up the group after finding no regular youth bell ringing opportunities in the area when she moved to the region after university.
The group has grown since it began about a year ago and has competed in national bell ringing competitions in Birmingham and Nottingham.
Challenging Perceptions
Martin wanted to challenge the perception that bell ringing is "a bit of an old man's club." She said creating a welcoming space for young people was important.
"For me, it's about trying to change the culture of bell ringing so that young people feel welcome and they feel like they've got a space where they belong," she explained.
Supporting Young People with Additional Needs
Some of those working with Martin have special educational needs, autism, ADHD and some felt "very anxious," she said. The sessions offered a place where they could relax and keep a traditional skill going.
Bell ringing is a relatively difficult skill to learn, Martin said, but is akin to learning a musical instrument.
Background
Martin first became interested in bell ringing when she was about 10 years old and has since become a tower leader. In her professional career as a jazz musician, she has played at Green Man Festival, Southbank Centre, Upstairs at Ronnie Scott's, Gottwood Festival and Alexandra Palace.
Martin rings with people of all ages in her own bell ringing practice and was motivated to develop the youth group by thinking ahead.
"In 40 years time there's not going to be that many people left for me to ring with unless I do something about this," she said.
Next Meeting
The group's next session is at St Giles Church in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Sunday.