BELLRINGERS in West Somerset are appealing for new blood to support more than three dozen churches between Exford and Crowcombe, Dulverton and Minehead.

Possible ways to raise the profile of church bell ringing and attract new members of the 'Dunster Bellringers' were discussed at the recent AGM held in Carhampton Village Hall on October 15.

'Dunster Bellringers' is actually the Dunster branch of the Bath and Wells Diocesan Association of Change Ringers and its members ring at 39 churches in the area.

Branch chairman Mike Ellicott, from Exford, conducted the meeting for the last time as his term of office came to an end. Joan Hopwood, from Wiveliscombe, was elected to succeed him.

Reporting on the past year, secretary Glenys Tonks noted that the branch had had a successful year. Branch practices, held three times a month and organised by the ringing master Jon Rose, were well-attended and the branch had welcomed 15 new members.

However, as this was roughly the same as the number that had left, so the membership has remained steady - at about 150.

She emphasised that the membership encompasses all abilities, from beginners to experienced ringers, and all ages - Joan Hopwood has been a member of the association for 40 years, while the Achiever of the Year award was presented to Tom Mitchell, 15, from St Decuman's, Watchet, who joined this year.

Although the branch as a whole is active and flourishing, many of the churches in it are short of ringers and are keen to welcome newcomers.

Anyone who thinks they might be interested - no musical ability is required - can find out more by contacting the branch secretary, by email at dunsterbranch.secretary @bath-wells.org.uk or by phone on 01643 709574.