Team History

The original Clifton Handbell Ringers were formed around 1890. The band was composed of male members of Clifton Parish Church. Under the guidance of Mr James Fearnley, a Clifton joiner, they began by playing a few simple tunes with about two dozen bells belonging to Clifton Parish Church, St. Johns. Their efforts were popular and their membership grew, as did their fame. The picture on the right shows the Clifton team in 1895. Around this time the team began to enter local and national Handbell Competitions.