Matthew Higby & Company Ltd

The Peals on Wheels Mobile Belfry - A Background (by Matthew Higby)

I built my first portable mini-ring in time for the Liss “Port-a-Ring” day in 1994. It incorporated a repurposed carpet display stand, which had to be weighted down with bricks to prevent it from toppling over. Many other mobile mini-rings followed in the years that followed, several of which have since travelled all over the world. By 2005, it became clear that a larger installation would be beneficial, leading to the design and construction of the Charmborough Ring. This made its debut at The Ringing Roadshow in Newbury in 2005. Designed and built by Matthew Higby & Co Ltd, it was a significant milestone, and we were justifiably proud of the result. However, the experience also highlighted opportunities for improvement—particularly in the handling of the bells through refined fitting designs. I was also convinced that a permanently trailer-mounted steel tower, with bells transported on the trailer bed and hoisted into position for ringing, could greatly reduce assembly time and make the installation more accessible to teams with less technical expertise. Although I developed initial concepts and discussed them with others, the demands of running a business and raising a young family meant these ideas remained unrealised for nearly two decades. In 2020, I was approached by representatives of a large ringing organisation to join a committee exploring the development of an improved mobile belfry aimed at promoting change ringing and widening participation. I accepted enthusiastically, keen to contribute my experience. However, I was subsequently excluded at the request of other committee members, and the project proceeded in a very different direction. While disappointing, this only strengthened my resolve to pursue the concept independently, even if it required personal investment. The completion of the Potters Yard Ring—our workshop demonstrator—in 2021 confirmed that my designs for small, easy-handling bells were sound. It also demonstrated that a ring with a tenor of approximately 75 lb represents the lower practical limit while still retaining the character of traditional church bells and conventional two-handed ringing. In 2022, the donation of scrap bell metal provided an opportunity to cast six small, harmonically tuned bells alongside others for an ongoing contract. I then began searching for a suitable trailer and, in 2025, secured a nearly new Ifor Williams trailer at a farm auction. This marked the true beginning of the Peals on Wheels project. From that point, a dedicated group of colleagues, friends, and fellow ringers contributed a remarkable number of voluntary hours to bring the concept to fruition. Although detailed plans and drawings had been prepared, we concluded that constructing a working prototype would be the most efficient way forward. The four-post garage-lift concept, complete with winch, was largely inspired by the Lichfield Archdeaconry Mobile Belfry, and I am grateful to Phil Gay and others for their guidance. With the September 2025 Ringing Roadshow fast approaching, we worked to an ambitious deadline. The steel tower and bell frame were fabricated during July and August by Martin Hough, while bell tuning was undertaken by Ben Kipling during evenings and weekends. By late August, the fittings were complete and a trial assembly was carried out. Aside from minor adjustments, the system performed as intended, although the winch mechanism still required finalisation. Just four days before the Roadshow, we achieved the first test rounds, followed later that same day by a successful quarter peal—the first change ringing on the bells. Stays and sliders were fitted on the Friday, the day before departure, and the belfry’s inaugural journey was a short three-mile run to Ammerdown, serving as a dress rehearsal for Sheffield. We arrived in Sheffield on schedule, and the debut proved to be a considerable success, aided by favourable weather. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Work is continuing on rain and transport covers, after which we will begin accepting bookings. The next step is to assemble a team of volunteers willing to tow, erect, and operate the belfry at events. This project has only been possible through the generosity, skill, and commitment of many individuals. My sincere thanks go to Martin Hough, Benjamin Kipling, David Marshall, Sophie Sikorsky, Jack Higby, Toby Higby, Charlotte Higby, Julian Ferrar, Neil Thomas, Mark Place, Phil Gay, and Brian Butcher. It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through the support of family and friends. Hire Charges for 2026 School or youth events: £200 per day Other events: £300 per day Additional days: £75 per day (subject to secure on-site storage being provided free of charge) Travel: 50p per mile These charges include the hire of the bells, transport, assembly and dismantling, and all necessary insurance.