Sussex People

Charles Shepherd

Charles grew up with his two brothers in Wordsley, Dudley. All three joined the church choir and when a new band of ringers was being established in 1950, Charles was among those learning to ring the six bells. Charles soon became the Captain of this new band, using the expertise of the more experienced, older ringers to the benefit of all.

Charles continued his education at College in Cheltenham, were he met his wife to be, Maureen. Having qualified, he went back home to teach and to save for their marriage. It was at Easter 1955 that he came south and taught in Uxbridge and West Drayton. Now he joined the Uxbridge band and increased his ringing skills. After their marriage Maureen and Charles moved to their brand new home and then Charles became associated with the Chalfont St. Peters’ band. In 1964 the family moved to Holesworthy in Devon, where Charles regularly rang with the Stratton ringers. Four years later the family, moved to Sussex and to Cowfold.

Many may not realise the contribution that Charles has made to ringing in Sussex. Charles was already ringing a variety of methods including Cambridge, Norwich and London Surprise Minor. As Cowfold had no established band he would travel to Henfield to ring. When George Jennings and Colin Osbon were teaching a group of people, including the vicar, at Cowfold in the hope of establishing a band, Charles joined in with the training sessions. Unfortunately this band gradually diminished. Charles would organise bands to ring for weddings at Cowfold, the ringers from Henfield supporting him. When Henfield were unable to help out, ringers from West Grinstead would come along. Charles tried to establish a band, but found this difficult with no local ringers to help on a regular basis. Charles and his family moved to Partridge Green in 1974 and Charles became a member of the West Grinstead band.

Charles has always supported the Northern Division. He has been its Secretary for a number of years and after retiring from teaching, he became Ringing Master. This Charles particularly enjoyed as he would travel to as many different practices as possible, appreciating the company of other ringers. Charles came regularly to George Jenning’s Monday Surprise practices and on 4th. November 1974 Charles rang his first quarter of Surprise Major – Yorkshire at Balcombe, with Reg. Johnson conducting from the treble. Charles rang his first quarter of Superlative the following year at Rusper. Charles wife, Maureen, died in 1989 and her life was celebrated at a wonderful Thanksgiving Service. We invited Charles to join with us, ringing a quarter of Oxford Bob Triples at Crawley, to commemorate her life. Charles has rung quarter peals to celebrate many special occasions in the area.

Charles has also rung several peals. The first being Triples at Uxbridge. Of the others, three special ones have been Sussex based. Charles joined Alan Baldock and co. at West Ham to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the church there. Similarly he joined with Alan to celebrate the 750th anniversary of St. Peter’s Church in Cowfold. He was also privileged to ring in the peal to celebrate the 100th birthday of ’Granddad’ Verrall (Richard’s father) at West Grinstead.

For the Association as a whole, Charles has been a tireless supporter of both the ringing and the fund raising activities. He is the current ‘Gift Aid Secretary’. When this job commenced Charles was kept very busy persuading us to make a regular contribution to the Association’s Restoration Fund. Through his work the Association has been able to reclaim our paid tax to support many of the projects improving our County’s bells. Since 2000 this work has lessened as now we concentrate more on each project as it arises, rather than on building up the Restoration Fund itself. But Charles will still arrange for your donations to be gift-aided to the advantage of the Restoration Fund.

Recently Charles made the decision to retire from ringing as his knees prevent him from standing unaided for long. However he is not relinquishing his membership of West Grinstead or the Sussex County Association.

Charles can still be seen in the County and around the Northern Division, joining in with our celebrations and meetings. His particular delight is to enjoy the company of all those whose friendship he has made during his nearly forty years of living in the County.

Wendy Wheeler, Unattached

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