I learned to ring in 1973 at Burghill, coming from a family that has been part of the Hereford Diocesan Guild (HDG) since 1904. My earliest memories of ringing date back to the late sixties when I went ringing with my grandfather on John Hope’s mystery tours.
I feel fortunate to have met my wife through ringing, and together we have three grown children and one grandson. For the past 27 years, we have successfully operated our own online business, and we aim to bring that same level of efficiency to the HDG.
I enjoy all types of ringing, especially when we achieve good striking. My preference leans toward ringing Doubles and Minor. I have always had a deep interest in the history of the Guild, particularly in tracing my relatives’ contributions in the past. Additionally, I spent nearly a year compiling all the peals rung for the Guild and uploading them to Bellboard before I was elected as Peal Recorder. I have held posts of District Ringing Master, Assistant Ringing Master, and Assistant Secretary. I have rung 348 peals, of which I have conducted 148 peals. And I have rung well over 2,000 quarter peals.
Andrew Watkins April 2026