One of the most respected and esteemed residents of Bishopstoke, Hants, has passed away in the person of Mr. Charles Ayliffe, who had been a, ringer at the Parish Church for 29 years.
Mr. Ayliffe commenced to ring when a ring of five bells was placed in the tower in 1910, and was the last member of the band that was formed at that time. He was chiefly instrumental in getting the bells increased to eight in 1920.
Mr. Ayliffe had taken part in several peals for the Diocesan Guild, of which he had been a member for the whole of his ringing career.
The funeral took place on Tuesday of last week. Mr. G. Williams (Master) represented the Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild, and members were present from Bishopstoke and North Stoneham. A large number of people were present testifying to the regard in which Mr. Ayliffe was held.
Immediately after the funeral a touch of Grandsire Triples was rung upon the church bells, which were fully muffled, with the exception of the tenor, which was open at hand.
Mr. Ayliffe leaves two daughters and two sons, one of whom, Mr Ernest J. Ayliffe, is a ringer at Haslemere, Surrey.
The Ringing World No. 1482, August 18th, 1939, page 529