Bell Ringers at St Mary's
When did you last try something new?
Are you looking for......
- Light Physical Exercise?
- Mental Exercise?
- A Social Activity?
Why learn to ring?
You will be joining a global group of friends. It's a life long learning experience. You can progress to what ever level you like from ringing the basic rounds and call changes to ringing peals that last up to three hours or more. The initial teaching can take several weeks after which the learner starts to ring with the rest of the band, usually starting with five or six bells ringing rounds then progressing to call changes followed by simple methods, how far you go is then up to you but there is always someone to offer help and advice. There is always a new Method to learn and a new tower to visit.
Bellringing is the ultimate team activity and a great mental workout. A service to the Church (although some just find it a great hobby) and helping to maintain a traditional skill.
What is change ringing?
In the Sixteenth Century English bells began to be hung with a full wheel, this allowed the bell to be swung through 360º. This gave ringers control of their bell, which allowed sets of bells (rings) to be rung in a continuously changing pattern. Music is created by moving the bells up and down the ringing order to a defined sequence of changes known as a method.
The Bells of St. Mary's Wistaston
Originally two bells were in the old church these were cast in 1675 they were transferred to the present church in 1827 and two more bells were added in 1876. The four bells were recast in 1920 and two more bells added making a ring of six bells. In 1982 the octave was completed by the addition of two trebles donated by two local families making eight bells, the heaviest being 6cwt. The local band was reformed after the 1920 recasting and the first full peal of 5040 changes rung in 1924. Over the years the band has fluctuated having some very high spots followed by a lull. At present we are trying to build up the band again and are training new recruits to ring for Sunday Service and all special occasions. Why not come along and have a go, we practice at St. Mary's Wistaston on Monday evenings from 7.45pm to 9pm.
More information about Bell Ringing can be found in the leaflet below and on the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers web site www.cccbr.org.uk.
P Maddock (Deputy Tower Captain, Wistaston)
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