I am trying to trace a relative(deceased) Name William Biggin. He was
a Campanologist and rang bells at Norton Church Sheffield, around 1939
He was also a well known composer of bell music. I would like to see
some of his compositions.

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 29 May 2004 13:52 PDT

There seems to be a reference to your William Biggin, the bell ringer,
and Norton Church,  here:

http://www.ranmoorringers.f9.co.uk/peals/p039.htm

I also found a World War I "medal record" for a William Biggin of the
York and Lancaster Regiment.

I don't know if this is your man or not (though the name is not all
that common, from what I can tell), but you can download an image of
the actual record for a modest fee at this site:

http://www.documentsonline.pro.gov.uk/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=1446173&queryType=1&resultcount=102


Hopefully, these tidbits will researchers in trying to track down your relative.  

pafalafa-ga

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Clarification of Question by asker23-ga on 30 May 2004 07:03 PDT

It could be the same William Biggin as he did ring at Norton, I did
not meet him very often so do not know his past bell ringing history,
but it could have been anywhere in Sheffield
Howe can I narrow it down?
I will try the medal record
Many thanks

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 30 May 2004 07:25 PDT

I also found this record William Biggin, born in 1877 and the son of Alfred Biggin:

William BIGGIN 
    Birth Year <1877>  
    Birthplace Sheffield, York, England  
    Age 4  
    Occupation   
    Marital Status U <Unmarried>  
    Head of Household Alfred BIGGIN 
    Relation Son  
     
  Source Information: 
    Dwelling 790 Grimesthorpe Rd 
    Census Place Brightside Bierlow, York, England  
    
============

He would have been in his 60's in 1939.  Does this sound like it right
be the correct William Biggins?

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Clarification of Question by asker23-ga on 31 May 2004 09:55 PDT

Your information sounds ggod.I am following it up. Do you want anymore info?

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 31 May 2004 10:52 PDT

You asked if I wanted anymore info...!

The real question is...do YOU want any more information?

I haven't yet answered your question, because I haven't found any
information on the compositions of Wm Biggin.  If I can find these, I
would post them as an answer.

I have been able to find some bits and pieces about the life of
William Biggin, although it's hard to be certain these are all
referring to one and the same individual.

If the information I've provided is helpful enough to you to
constitute an answer, let me know, and I will repost it as the formal
answer to your question.

But I suspect you are still desiring additional information,
especially about the music that Biggin created.  If that's the case,
let us know how we can best help you in your search, and we'll do our
best to assist you.

Cheers.

pafalafa-ga

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Clarification of Question by asker23-ga on 31 May 2004 12:18 PDT

Thank you so far! All sounds good, I think it was around 1946/47 that
I met him. I am sure he had never been married. In later life he lived
with my Paternal Grandma (his Sister?)at Norton Sheffield and rang
bells at Norton, My interest is in finding some of the bell music he
composed. He was so keen he could have rung anywhere. I remember
talking to him about ringing and it was then he said he had composed 
a lot of bell music.I've got the army medal record doc Perhaps the
Sheffield public library has some info. ?> Does this help ?
Many thanks for your efforts

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 28 Jun 2004 06:46 PDT

I just wanted to let you know that I had several queries out looking
for the compositions you are seeking, but so far, no luck!

If anything does turn up, though, I'll be sure to let you know.  In
the mean time, perhaps some of the other researchers will have some
success tracking this down.

pafalafa-ga

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 28 Jun 2004 07:06 PDT

Whoops.  I just noticed there are only a few hours remaining until
this question expires, so I don't imagine any new information will be
coming forth. I hope the little bit of information we were able to
provide was useful to you.

Cheers.

pafalafa-ga