Bell Ringing

St Andrew’s Church has a ring of 8 bells and a long history of bell-ringing. For centuries our bells have sounded, calling people to worship, in celebration of special occasions, in remembrance and to mark special events. In the very early days, the bells were “chimed” to make a sound but the ringers had little control over the order in which the bells sounded and therefore the “music” they played.

Our bells are hung with a full wheel enabling the bell to swing in a full circle and back again. This gives ringers control of their bell, allowing us to play patterns and tunes. The bells are tuned and it is usual to start with ringing down the scale, a sequence which ringers call “rounds”. The order in which the bells sound is then altered to give different sequences called “rows” or “changes”.

Bell ringing is a team activity that stimulates the brain and helps keep you fit… it also makes a glorious sound! Many consider ringing to be their contribution to church life, others do it for the pure pleasure it brings.

At St Andrew’s the bells are usually rung for Sunday Services, weddings and other special services.

Our regular bell-ringing practice is Wednesday evening at 7:45-9:00pm and our Tower Captain is always pleased to receive enquires about learning to ring the bells.

For further information, contact Liz Wright on 0116 283 5155