Bell ringing in Newcastle-under-Lyme

That this House commends Sam Martin, a professional jazz musician and tower leader based in Madeley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, for establishing a youth bell ringing group; acknowledges the importance of bell ringing as a centuries-old British tradition rooted in church towers across the ancient county of Staffordshire and across the nation; notes that Ms Martin identified a lack of regular youth bell ringing provision in communities across the country; recognises the value of Ms Martin's work in creating an inclusive and welcoming space for young people, including those with special educational needs, many of whom have found the sessions a source of calm and belonging; further notes that Ms Martin's group are competing in national competitions in all parts of the country; expresses concern that, without intervention of this kind, the ageing profile of bell ringers risks the nation losing the skills and knowledge built up over generations; and pays tribute to Ms Martin for supporting young people in Newcastle-under-Lyme and North Staffordshire who need it most, engaging in intergenerational dialogue and participation, and giving a new youthful spirit to this age old British tradition.