History

Maypole Bell Ltd, was founded by Trevor Arnold, a passionate bell ringer and professional carpenter/engineer. Home tower St Nicholas, Rodmersham Kent. His introduction to dumbbells as part of a bell ringing simulator was while attending the Tulloch Ringing Centre. He is enrolled with the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART). Trevor does not profess to be amongst the most skilled method ringers but is passionate about everything to do with bells and ringing.

The Maypole Bells ringing simulators were designed by Trevor, specifially to be floor standing and thereby avoid the need to elevate the dumbbell far above head hight. Trevor showed his early designs to John Norris who has been and remains instrumental to getting the finished products fit and ready to supply.

Trevor has decades of experience as a carpenter and joiner, notably constructing quality timber buildings. This ensures that Maypole Bells ringing simulators are strong and enduring products.

The first single dumbbell was put into use at Trevor's home in June 2019. See next image.

Then a Maypole 6 Mini-Ring bell ringing simulator for 6 people was built and launched in September 2019 at the CCCBR conference/roadshow in London. See previous image. It is from this product that the company drew its name.

During the coronavirus lockdown, Trevor constructed the a proof of concept mini rope walk, in order to control the construction of the Sally to his colours and standards. This was suitable for the single Maypole Bells dumbbell and sets of dumbbells.

As the UK emerged from lockdown, Trevor relocated to a new factory unit, and has now built the full size Maypole Bells rope walk with new tooling, so that full size tower ropes can be manufactured.

The business continues to grow and has reloacted a second time, to a longer factory to ease rope manufacturing, and accommodate the increasing number of machine tools. Trevor is now joined by a small number of dedicated staff, to help with different aspects of the business and the ever growing range of products and custom projects. A new Portable Dumbbell has also been developed and shown to the public.

Acknowledgments

Thanks for Sue's amazing patience
Thanks to John and Mary Norris for sharing their knowledge, time, and enthusiasm
Thanks to Phil and Martin for their practical knowledge and assistance.
Finally, thanks to many ringers in Kent and at the CCCBR Road Show 2019 in London, and to Kent Young Ringers for their structural criticism