When you learn to ring, you may have many questions with regards to ringing, the bells and how they are rung. This page looks at some of the basic aspects of ringing.
How are bells rung?
A bell starts with its mouth facing down.
By pulling the rope, the bell is swung higher and higher until its mouth is now facing up. Here the bell can be rested and left with the mouth of the bell facing up.
The bell can now be rung, rotated 360 degrees first one way, and then the other.
Bells are rung, one after the other. This is known as ’rounds’. The bells can be sounded in different orders though, this makes a different ‘tune’.
• Only the rope can perform these functions
• For each rotation, the bells sounds only once
• The bells can be rung in different orders, this allows a variety of ‘tunes’ to be heard
Why are bells rung?
Bell ringing is a service to the church as well as an enjoyable, interesting and relaxing activity.
It provides both physical and mental exercise and gives the opportunity to be a member within a team.
Bells are often rung for weddings and special occasions as well as Church services.
Who rings bells?
At St Andrew’s we have about 30 bellringers ranging from the age of 12 to 80, both male and female. Many of our ringers are members of the church. No qualifications or particular skills are necessary.
How long does it take to learn?
Initial teaching takes place on a one to one basis with most learners being able to ring with a band within a few months.
When do we ring at St. Andrews Church?
Once you have mastered the basic technique you will be able to ring at:
- Sunday services: where we ring before the main service from 9:40am to 10:15am
- Sunday evenings: 5:30pm-6:30pm. Usually a quarter peal, but open ringing occurs one Sunday a month.
- Saturday weddings: before and after the wedding.
- Tuesday practice night: St Andrews Church, 7:30pm-9:00pm .