BELLS rung out across Bridport to commemorate the centenary of the death of a young father.

William Henry Hardiman was just 29 years old when he was shot by a sniper in Palestine on November 7, 1917.

Now, thanks to the painstaking research on a national and local scale – and the power of social media – he has been remembered in the church where he served as a bellringer more than a century ago.

William lived in South Street, Bridport with his wife Emma and young sons Bertram and Leonard, working as a gardener before enlisting to serve in the First World War. He was also a bellringer at St Mary’s Church, where his good attendance is noted in the tower minute book.

He is buried in Gaza War Cemetery and his name inscribed on the Bridport war memorial.

Sue Carter, branch training officer with the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers (SDGR) and a bellringer at St Mary’s, said work is being undertaken nationally to inform local churches of bellringers from their towns and villages who died in the First World War.

She added: “I saw in the newsletter that November 7 was the anniversary of the death of William Henry Hardiman. I put some feelers out and found out more through Sheila Meaney at the family history centre in Bridport. She found the lovely photograph of him and posted it on Facebook.”

Incredibly, Mr Hardiman’s living relatives saw the post and got in touch.

His great-grandson Andy Vanstone, from Exmouth, and great-niece, Debbie Follett from Martinstown attended the bellringing event – and gave the activity a try themselves.

Sue said the Follett family, who come from Symondsbury, have always been keen bellringers, and Debbie’s mother, father and grandfather were all involved.

Sue added: “She was astounded to see how far back through the generations that connection went.”

Present day members of the local band and other members of the Salisbury Guild of Ringers rung a quarter peal of Plain Bob Triples on St Mary’s bells exactly 100 years after Mr Hardiman’s death.

As part of a national project, his name will also be recorded on a Roll of Honour.

Sue said there is an ‘active’ community of bellringers in West Dorset, which includes people of all ages – from 10 to 90 – and from all walks of life.

“It is fantastic exercise, both physically and mentally,” she added. “And we are always looking for new recruits.”

Anyone who is interested in trying their hand at bellringing can contact Sue by emailing west.dorset.training@sdgr.org.uk