Ringing for Gold – Peter’s book goes all the way to South Carolina!

Peter Fawcett, from Cleckheaton, published his book, Ringing for Gold, last September, and has had orders from all over the world, but his latest order came from an unlikely American state.

South Carolina-based Jeffers Handbell Supplies has made a bulk order of books to sell in its premises in Irmo.

The author, a former parks worker, has seen his history of handbell ringing in Yorkshire sell all over the world, including Japan – where it is now housed in the libraries of 46 of the country’s universities.

But, after his latest breakthrough, Peter now hopes that the book will catch-on in the most competitive of literature markets

He said: “It’s very thrilling to see the book selling in America.

“Handbell ringing is actually quite popular in the States, so it isn’t surprising that there is interest there.

The book links to areas all around north Kirklees, mentioning ancestors of Hollywood actor Patrick Stewart from Mirfield and the Dewsbury Handbell Ringers’ historic six consecutive national championships.

Peter added: “A lot of people think that working-class music in the north of England started with brass bands, but that isn’t true.

“Handbell bands were the first of the bunch and, like I said when the book came out, I felt I had to publish something because nothing had been written in-depth on it before.”

For more information on Peter’s research and book, visit www.ringingforgold.co.uk.