Three quarter peals were rung as a tribute to Jim Stubbs of Sheen. Jim, born 3rd May 1946, died on 28th January 2009 after a short illness very bravely born. At his funeral the packed and overflowing church, with many mourners having to stand outside in the snow listening to the service being relayed on loudspeakers, was a clear indication of the determination of the entire congregation not only to show the great respect and love in which Jim was held but also to support his family at this difficult time.

Born and bred in Sheen, Jim spent all his life farming at Lower House Farm, firstly in partnership with his father Arthur, and later on with his wife Heather whom he married in 1977. Although a devoted family man, farmer, and first class stockman, Jim also followed many other interests outside the farming world, and was especially interested in anything connected with train and aeroplane transport. From the age of 15 he was a committed Manchester United supporter and season ticket holder, following United all over the country. A keen sportsman, playing badminton and tennis as well as cricket umpiring, he was also an enthusiastic bellringer.

Jim started ringing at Sheen in his early 20’s and continued right up to a few weeks before his passing. In addition to Monday ringing at Sheen he was an early and regular member of the Wednesday Alstonefield band. Jim was the "salt of the earth" type of ringer, forever reliable, and could always be depended on to fill in at weddings at any of the local churches. The sort of person you could easily take for granted because he was always there in the background. The only activity that ever took precedence over his ringing was when Manchester United played.

Not for him the glory of tower grabbing or ringing a peal, just a quiet, kind, helpful, unassuming very laid back person who would join in the occasional quarter peal but mainly restricted his ringing to Doubles and Minor methods. The sort of person who will be desperately missed and impossible to replace.

T.E.