So, What's Bell Ringing All About?
There have been bell ringers for as long as there have been bells to be rung. A fair assumption perhaps!
However, there are currently mainy more bells in existence than individuals to ring them. This is why most bell ringing groups are always keen to welcome new members to their ranks. So what's the attraction . . . ?
At one level, it's about calling the faithful to worship by proclaiming the start of services, including weddings, baptisms and funerals. At another, it provides opportunities for personal development and socialising for people of all ages (well from about 11 upwards!).
Service Ringing
There are peals of five or more bells in over 5,600 churches in the UK and in countries with a strong English influence like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya, the USA and Canada. In the vast majority of these towers where the bells are hung for 'full circle' ringing, they are used on Sundays and for other special services. They may also form a clock chime, where hammers strike the sound-bow for the quarters and hours.
Typically, before Sunday services, the ringing will last for around 45 minutes, during which time the bells will be raised, rung to 'methods', and lowered. Keep reading to lear more about these terms.
Commemorative Ringing
There are many special occasions in the Church's calendar, and in the wider context of the country as a whole, for which the bells may be rung. The Queen's 80th Birthday and the 50th Anniversary of her Coronation were two such events celebrated locally; in Cranmore, a Quarter Peal of Nelson's Victory Treble Bob Minor was rung on 21st October 2005 to mark the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Bands all over the (ringing) world took part in ringing commemorating these events.
Practices
Ringing isn't easy! A bell can weigh over a ton (like the tenor here in Shepton), and the ringer may stand 50 feet below his or her bell controlling it by a rope! Like other musicians, ringers have to practise their art, both in terms of being able to handle their bell properly, and in learning 'methods', more of which here.
It's usual for bands to practise for an hour and a half once a week, usually in the evenings, finishing by 9 pm.
Raising and Lowering
A bell is normally hung with its mouth down, and left in this position for safety reasons. However, in order to ring it full circle (rather than just chime it), it must be raised so that its mouth is facing upwards. As it turns from this position through a full 360 degrees and back again, its clapper will strike the sound-bow once at each stroke.
Raising a bell involves some effort, and a great deal of skill! When all the bells are being raised at the same time, in sequence, the action is called 'raising in peal'. Lowering a bell after ringing renders the bell safe, and the 'lower in peal' is a sign to listeners that the service is about to start!
The Social Side of Ringing
Ringing has a strong social side. It is the case that any competent ringers can arrive at any tower in the country (almost without exception) and will be welcomed into their practice. On a local level, groups of ringers from neighbouring towers meet frequently to advance their knowledge and experience, and it's not unheard of that they may seek some refreshment afterwards! Ringing a bell that weighs as much as your car for an hour or more is thirsty work! Gone are the days when beer and cider barrels were commonplace in belfries, so pubs are frequently checked out!
Want to learn more? Then click here for some more theory on bell ringing!
If you would like to contact us to discuss joing the Shepton Mallet ringers, click here