The Judges

The judges for the 2026 South East 12 Bell Competition are detailed below.

Richard Pullin

Chief Judge

I started learning to ring at St John’s, Worcester in 2004 and it was wonderful growing up in a house where many rings could be heard, including the glorious cathedral bells! It didn’t take long to acquire my first ringing tape (Church Bells of England by Saydisc) which evolved over the following few years into a small library of ringing CDs that I listened to a lot! I’m sure investments like these are beneficial for ‘getting your ear in’ at an early stage in the learning process.

My first peal was at St John’s in December 2006 and I’m currently in the 700s. A move to nearby Hereford in 2008 brought me into the neighbourhood of a strong peal band who put me up for election to the ASCY the following year. That proved particularly useful from 2014 onwards, when I moved to London for my BA Philosophy degree at Heythrop College, Kensington. It was pleasing to be in the winning team for the London 12-bell Competition in 2015 and 2024.

Following a few more years back in Hereford after my degree, I returned to London in 2021 (right off the back of the Covid pandemic), ringing locally on our grand eight at Barnet, and very frequently in London and Westminster. We’re lucky to have so many rings here in London, many of which have legendary status including the mighty bells of St Paul’s and Bow. However, due to the approaching demolition of my flat I’ll soon be leaving London and hope to start a new life back at my old roots.

Benjamin Carey

Judge

Ben is a very experienced 12 bell ringer and judge, having been a judge in the national contest at 4 qualifiers and 3 finals, including being the Chief Judge at the final in Sheffield in 2023.

He learned to ring at Titchfield, in Hampshire, and has been a supporter of local ringing throughout the region for the last twenty years, serving as Tower Captain at Portsmouth Cathedral for six years and continues to lead teaching ringers in the area.

Craig Robertson

Hawkear Assistant

Craig is part of the Hawkear team for the National 12 Bell Contest and was also the Hawkear Assistant for the judges in the inaugural South East 12 Bell Competition, in 2025, at Portsmouth Cathedral.