Bell Ringing
In October 2006 we launched a major project at SS Peter and Paul to refurbish our bells.
The project came to a wonderful conclusion in September 2008 when the Bishop of Taunton The Right Revd Peter Maurice presided over the rededication service.
Please visit our bells website for more details of this exciting project.
In the meanwhile, are you a bellringer? Or, are you interested in becoming one?
The peal of eight bells are rung before major services, weddings, and at least once a month on a Sunday before a main service. This requires a band of dedicated ringers which can be called upon to ring the bells and practice on a regular basis.
Details of this worthwhile hobby can be found by contacting the Captain of the tower at Shepton Mallet, Paul Treby.
Paul Treby writes . . .
Shepton Mallet Parish Church Ringing Members are now listed and fully paid up members of Bath and Wells Diocesan Association of Change Ringers, under the Frome Branch Section of their Annual Report 2008.
The present weekly practice is on Tuesday from 19.00 until 20.30 and we have now a keen band of ringers, although augmenting them is always welcomed. They have been in training at St Bartholomew's, West Cranmore since Autumn 2007. Some have also gained much experience from attending St Aldhelm's, Doulting Wednesday night practices and again some have taken the opportunity to visit other church towers in the area in order to receive more practical experience. Ringing outings and training days are also part of ringers diaries.
Being able to handle and control the bells was mastered initially, a challenge for those who had never rung before, but for all the band, the long haul of starting to learn and ring the basic primary methods followed and continues to do so. It sometimes appears a slow, frustrating process but sheer grit and determination keeps them going especially those whose initial learning years are a distant memory, but it's good to work with ringers who are keen to learn. Translating bellringing jargon is also a challenge!
Although it's been very time consuming both teaching and learning it has been so worthwhile when I look back on all that has been accomplished. To be able to ring at the Bells Dedication Service in November was a great encouragement and achievement both to those who rang and those who were involved teaching the ringers.
Shepton Mallet is also enjoying the sound of our bells rung by visiting ringers, who are delighted with the amazing improvement following the restoration work and particularly the pleasing sound and relative ease in the way they ring.
Of course none of this would be possible without the great effort made by the Bell Restoration Project Team carrying out the massive bell and tower restoration project and the band of willing volunteers and professionals that gave help and assistance along the way. My sincere thanks and appreciation go to them all.