On 28th May, over twenty ringers from across Derbyshire joined family members, friends and ex-colleagues at Mugginton Church to pay their respects to Mugginton’s former Ringing Master, Peter Sutton. Although in his 83rd year, Peter had continued to ring and to run the Mugginton band until a few weeks before his death on May 13th. Recently he had so raised the reputation of Mugginton practices that they regularly attracted ringers ranging from struggling beginners to proficient method ringers, looking for more challenges than their home towers provided.

Peter started ringing in 1972 when he took his lively 12 year old son away from less acceptable pastimes to learn the art at St. Alkmund Duffield. Young Ian eventually left to join the army but Peter was hooked and went on to teach many children and adults himself. His patience, enthusiasm and attention to detail ensured many learners stuck the course rather than dropping out as so many do.

Peter was an active member of Mugginton PCC, deeply involved in various restoration projects as well as the general management of the church. For some years he was a governor of Mugginton School and supervised the older children chiming the bells before their end of term services.

Many who have known him have described Peter as ‘a true gentleman’ whilst one of our newest ringers said ‘I wished I’d known him longer. It was a privilege to have known him.’ He was a good friend to many and we already miss him.

Sandra Moore – Deputy Ringing Master, Mugginton