As a
small group we always welcome new members, but if they are enthusiastic and
musical it is a bonus. One
such person was Mary Lister who joined us early in 2015. She knew some of our
members through her other activities and interests including her attendance at
St Wilfrid’s, Gilstead and her membership of Eldwick Tennis Club.

Mary
was keen to ring the small bells as she considered they ‘had more of the
action’ and she took part in a performance and workshop at Dewsbury Minster
only a short time after joining us. After getting to know us better she had no
problem making clear her wishes for us to play particular pieces.

It was
particularly saddening that only a few years later, this summer she passed away
after a long and valiant fight against illness. She never let it rule her life
and latterly she would often make contact to say that she was having a good
week or was less susceptible to infection so she would be joining us for
practice – even if it meant spending an hour or so in Bingley whiling away time
after a doctor’s appointment. In fact she was particularly cross that a change
of bus timetable made it more difficult for her to travel to practices!

Her
funeral was held at St Wilfrid’s which was packed with a choir and a huge
congregation leaving standing room only. Jane, our chair, was asked to say a
few words about Mary’s membership of Bingley Handbell Ringers at the service
together with representatives of other groups which reflected her wide and
varied interests.

So we say farewell to Mary and extend our sympathies to her
son Will and other members of her family.