Julian Newman, who was elected Guild Secretary at the AGM in May, brings more than 30 years of ringing experience as well as a lifelong enthusiasm for the Guild, its members and the future of ringing across the Diocese.
Like many ringers, Julian’s journey began with a chance invitation. In 1995, aged 18, he was invited up the tower at Swanage by the church verger. What started as a simple visit quickly became a passion that would shape much of his life. He learned to ring during a particularly exciting period for ringing in the Isle of Purbeck, surrounded by a strong group of young ringers and witnessing significant local developments, including millennium-funded tower projects and the augmentation of Kingston’s impressive ring of bells from eight to ten.
His enthusiasm continued while studying at university in Southampton, where he became actively involved in the University society and helped organise events, building friendships and experiences that would stay with him long after graduation.
Back in Dorset, Julian became increasingly involved in Guild life. Over the years he has served in numerous roles, including East Dorset Branch Ringing Master and Branch Chairman, supporting training days, developing new ringers and helping to organise activities for younger members. Whether teaching in the tower or arranging treasure hunts for under-18s, encouraging the next generation has always been close to his heart.
Ringing has also played a central role in Julian’s family life. It was through ringing at Wareham that he met his wife, Hayley, and the pair married in 2005. Friends from Swanage and Wareham marked the occasion with a memorable ten-bell firing. As their family grew with the arrival of sons Thomas and Jack, Sunday ringing often became a family affair. The boys watched from a playpen in the tower, although local ringers soon learned to keep an eye out for the occasional airborne toy!
In 2009, after the birth of their daughter Megan, the family moved to Wool and became part of the welcoming band at Holy Rood. The tower’s convenient location, just a short walk from home, made it easy for ringing to remain a regular part of family life.
Alongside his local involvement, Julian has made a significant contribution at Guild level. He served as Guild Report Editor for more than a decade, until 2019 and continues to represent the Guild on the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers. In recognition of his long-standing service and commitment, he was elected a Vice President of the Guild in 2021.
Now, as Guild Secretary, Julian is looking forward to working closely with officers and members across the Diocese.
“The Guild has given me so much over the years through friendship, learning and opportunities to serve,” he says. “I’m looking forward to working with members across the Diocese to ensure that ringing continues to thrive and that future generations can enjoy the same experiences that I have.”
Looking ahead, Julian is particularly keen to support the goals of the Central Council’s Ringing 2030 initiative. Recruitment, retention and member engagement remain key priorities, and he hopes to help ensure that towers across the Guild have the support they need to flourish.
More than three decades after climbing the tower stairs at Swanage for the first time, Julian’s enthusiasm for ringing remains as strong as ever. As he begins this new chapter as Guild Secretary, he is eager to meet members across the Diocese and work together to build a strong and vibrant future for the Salisbury Guild.
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