7th August 1925 – 3rd April 2009

Graham appeared in the belfry at Clifton-upon-Dunsmore one practice night a few weeks after ringing was restarted there in 1979. He was very diffident about whether he should be there at all. It turned out he had learnt to ring at Weymouth but hadn’t rung for many years. He did stay and thereafter became a regular and diligent member of the Clifton band.

Graham was a very regular Sunday service ringer and was almost always at Wednesday practices, where he shared his views freely on matters ranging from the quality of the ringing to the best way to teach maths to recalcitrant boys. He was always willing to have a go and to try and extend his repertoire, but he particularly enjoyed ringing and conducting Grandsire. He rang for weddings at Clifton and around the district. He was also keen on outings and went on a number of tower grabs. He rang 72 quarter peals and three peals at Clifton, his first quarter being in 1983. He was responsible for encouraging his family to keep up the ringing tradition. Six family members learnt to ring, and three still ring regularly.

His company – and his wry sense of humour – were enjoyed by all and he will be much missed.

Catherine Jamieson