Bellringing

There are 8 bells hung for ringing in the tower at St. Michael and All Angels. The largest of these, the Tenor, weighs just under 15 cwt. The bell that is chimed for the 5 minutes before the start of the services is the old tenor cast in 1470.

Ringing has much to offer, with many different challenges and rewards. English style ringing (full circle ringing) and in particular change ringing has a place deep within our cultural heritage. Bell ringers have the satisfaction of helping to keep this tradition alive within our community. It is a team activity and becoming a ringer makes you a part of a worldwide community of fellow ringers. This means that in virtually any tower in the world, where English style ringing is practiced, you will be made welcome and invited to ring.

Ringers come from all walks of life, old and young, men and women. Some people learnt as children, others in their 50’s or 60’s.

A Ringer’s Responsibilities: when you become a ringer, you accept some responsibilities. These are not onerous, and represent a modest return for the satisfaction and friendship ringing offers you:

• To Your Tutor: in return for the time and effort invested in your training, you commit your own time and effort to learn, so you can develop into a competent ringer. You also share the responsibility for the safety of yourself and others while ringing.

• To the Church: in return for the privilege of ringing church bells, you play your part in ensuring the bells ring on all occasions when the church authorities and congregation expect them to be rung.

• To other Ringers: you play an active part in the life of whatever ringing community you find yourself. Most ringers help in small ways during the early development of a ringer and it is expected that this will be reciprocated.

The ringers are a friendly group of people, so if you are new to the church or the area, and thinking about a new hobby why not visit us on a Tuesday evening (practice night) to experience it first hand? If you are interested, please contact either Daivd Cornwall (Tower Correspondent) or Verity Nicholls (Tower Captain).