Brilliant news! You’re about to start a fascinating journey into the world of bellringing, that will make you laugh, smile and wonder why you didn’t start this ages ago!
Bellringing is a fantastic activity! It’s very sociable, meeting regularly to ring with the other members of your Tower’s bellringing team. When ready, you can participate in other ringing events and activities arranged locally. It has something for everyone….teamwork, meeting new people and making friends, gentle exercise, fun, contributing to your town/village life, and learning a new skill that is steeped in history.
Let’s start with answering a few questions you might have:
Q.Where can I learn to ring bells?
A. Most Towers in our Guild offer training to new recruits. Perhaps you already know that your local church has bells, and when that band of ringers hold their regular Practice session. If you’re not sure where your nearest Tower with bells is, take a look at the list on our website: https://www.wpbells.org/towers/
Q. How do I contact my local band of ringers?
A. Once you know where your nearest church with bells is located, then contact the ringers who can suggest a good time for you to come along to see the bells being rung….and have a supervised first try! The best way to do this is by clicking on the Tower’s name in the website list, which will provide contact information and other details. Sometimes these contact details are also displayed in the Church Porch, so take a look in there if you’re passing by.
Q. What will happen when I learn to ring?
A. Training sessions vary slightly from Tower to Tower, depending on how many new ringers are being taught. Some Towers teach one or two people during the Tower’s normal Practice session, while others hold dedicated teaching sessions for several new ringers from different local towers. Whichever scheme is in place at your Tower, you will be given friendly and informal 1:1 training, and carefully guided through each step of the learning process. One of the best things about learning to ring, is that it’s an individual journey and you can learn to ring at your own pace, only moving to the next step when you’re ready 😊
Q. How old do I have to be to learn to ring?
A. Every ring of bells is different – heavier bells may require new learners to be at least 10 or 12 years old, but some Towers where the bells are light and easy to ring can take learners of primary school age. There’s no upper age limit!
Q. Do I have to be fit or strong?
A. No, you don’t need to be strong, but it helps to be reasonably active. You do need to be able to easily lift your arms above your head, and if your Tower has an upstairs ringing room, you’ll need to be able to climb the Tower stairs. Generally speaking, bellringing is a lovely gentle exercise for people of all ages!
Q. Do I have to belong to the church?
A. No, bellringers come from many different backgrounds and ring for many different reasons. All you need is the interest and enthusiasm to learn to ring and to become a member of the Team at your local Tower.
Q. Does it cost any money to learn?
A. No, learning to ring bells is free!
Q. I can’t get in contact with anyone from my local Tower – who else can I contact?
A. In case your Tower doesn’t yet have an active band of ringers, or if the bells are not in a condition to be rung, then please fill out the enquiry form below, and we’ll put you in touch with someone who can help.
Churches within our Guild have Child Protection Policies in place, as do the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers to whom we are affiliated. We have DBS-checked instructors, who follow the policy to ensure that your child will never be left alone with one adult. Please ask your child’s instructor for the “Permission to Ring” form that is available on the website. We recommend that you stay with your child for at least the first session to see what learning to ring entails, but would be very happy if you would always prefer to be there…..and even give it a try yourself if you wish!
Enquiry – I would like to find out more about Bell Ringing
Please use this form if you want to find out more about bell ringing, or be put in contact with your local Tower.
Contact Sallie Ingram – Telephone: 023 8084 0225 Address: Kirklee, Southampton Road, Hythe, S045 5AD
