Did you know that there are more than 40,000 bell ringers in the UK?

They are:-

• Young and Old
• Men and Women
• Girls and Boys
• Short and tall
• Non-musical and Musical
• Church goers and non-church goers

They come from all walks of life, but they share a fascinating hobby and a commitment to their bellringing team.

Are you interested?Then read on

History

It is quite remarkable that if a ringer from the 17th century came into a church tower today he would have no difficulty recognising how we ring the bells and the way we ring on them. To be able to ring ‘changes’ on the bells they are hung so that they can swing in a circle.

Bells are tuned to a normal (diatonic) scale and it is usual to start with ringing down the scale, a sequence which ringers call ‘rounds’.

Most of the bells hung for ‘change ringing’ will be found in the British Isles but there are now ‘change ringers’ in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Africa.

Change Ringing

Change ringing evolved in England in the 1600’s. It is a system based on numbers rather than notes.

The order in which the bells sound is then altered to give different sequences, called changes. This is done to a pre-set pattern or ‘method’, and each ringer must learn that ‘method’ in order to know when his or her particular bell must sound in each change.

There are a few standard methods which are rung in most towers and this makes it very easy for ringers to visit and ring with other bands.

How long does it take to learn?

Initial teaching takes place on a ‘one to one’ basis and most learners will be ready to ring in a few weeks or months.

There is always something new to learn and ringers progress at their own pace, depending on the time and effort devoted to increasing knowledge.

The skill lies in being able to control a bell that rotates full circle using a rope attached to the wheel.

When are bells rung?

• For church services
• For weddings
• For special occasions
• For our own pleasure

What’s in it for me?

Bellringing is a hobby which involves

• Being part of a team
• Providing a service for the church
• Continually learning something new
• A good social life

Bellringing is good fun!

Once you have learned the basic techniques you will always be made welcome when you visit other towers. There are more than 5,000 in this country suitable for change ringing.

How can I find out more?

• Contact your local church
• See if there is a poster in the church porch listing ringing times and giving a contact name
• Visit your local tower when you hear the bells being rung
• Visit the Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers web site
• Visit the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers web site
• If you have specific questions please email info@learntoring.com
• Visit the rest of this site

Young People and Ringing
Child Protection is an issue bellringers take seriously
Any child that wishes to learn to ring must bring their parent or guardian with them to meet the tower captain and arrange for tuition (which is free) under appropriate adult supervision in accordance with the church’s Child Protection policies.