Fred Frankland Rigby

F. F. Rigby was born in Westhoughton, near Bolton, in 1904. During his time studying for a BSc, he started to bell ring at St Bartholomew's, Westhoughton. On top of ringing, he was an organist and recorder player, hence playing in the Holborne Recorder Ensemble later on in his life. On completion of his BSc, Fred became a teacher, a career which would eventually change when becoming an ordained deacon at the advent ordinations in Manchester Cathedral, where he would later become a priest in 1940. On leaving the Cathedral, Fred would curate at St James's Church, then Christ Church, both in Ashton. His career would also see him become Rector of St. Martin's, Heaton Norris, in 1951 and of Bromesberrow, Gloucestershire, in 1962. He was also Hon. Secretary to the Moral Welfare Council until 1962, amongst other appointments. Throughout his career, Fred would continue to play music and bell ring, with it known that Fred rang between 50 and 100 peals during his life, becoming president of the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers in 1942, then Master of the Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association of Change Ringers in 1963. Fred was also an author, with works on bell ringing, music, and personal relationships, three subjects that defined his life. Fred lost his wife when she was young and became a single father, his son becoming a noted mathematician, John Frankland Rigby. During the 40s, Fred also received an MA and MEd.