6 February 1943 to 28 January 2026
All Saints Westbury
Janice was born on 6 February 1943 at Frogmore House Farm in Westbury, Wiltshire, the second daughter of George & Edith Elliott. After completing her education at Trowbridge High School, Janice went on to study at Portsmouth University where she met her first husband, Harry. After graduating, she taught at Bournemouth High School for Girls before moving to St Day in Cornwall teaching first at Redruth and then at Truro High School for Girls. In 1982 Janice took a teaching post at Bruton School for Girls and she and Harry moved to Maiden Bradley in Wiltshire. Sadly, Harry died in 1985.
Janice learnt to ring at All Saints Westbury in the mid-1950s. There she met another young ringer, John Scull, and they became very fond of each other. See picture of them both ringing at Westbury in the early 1960s – Janice on the 35cwt tenor and John on the treble. Following Harry’s death, Janice took up bell ringing again and, over time, she and John rekindled their relationship. They subsequently married in 1988 and Janice moved into Town Farm (Westbury) with John where they were very happy. Janice organised a number of annual BBQs at Town Farm for the Westbury band which included a mini-croquet competition, all of which was very much enjoyed. Tragically, in 2005, John suffered a stroke whilst ringing at Westbury and never fully recovered. He died in 2011. Janice remained at Town Farm until her mobility issues made it too difficult to manage.
Janice was a very accomplished ringer. According to Bellboard, between 2001 and 2008 Janice rang 24 peals varying from Plain Minor to Surprise Major and between 2001 and 2013 she rang 137 quarter peals ranging from Plain Minor to Surprise Major and Grandsire Cinques. When Edington Ringing Centre opened in 2010 Janice regularly assisted with the training of learners and, despite struggling with mobility issues, she continued to do so for some years. I can recall her crawling up the stairs to the ringing chamber because she was determined to come and help and we were always extremely grateful.
Janice was a very skilful furniture maker and also made other items as gifts for family and friends. She very kindly made the Norman Knee Trophy (see picture attached) which is presented annually to the most improved tower in the Devizes branch and is currently proudly hanging in the Corsley tower.
In 2024 Janice moved to a Nursing Home in Sutton Veny where she died peacefully on 28 January 2026 aged 82. At her funeral at Westbury on 20 February, the bells were rung half-muffled before the service and afterwards were rung open in celebration of her life. She will be very sadly missed.
Julia Russell
Devizes Branch Secretary
