For fifteen hundred years the Christian church has used bells to announce the start of services. In England bell ringing developed in a unique way; by pulling on a rope attached to a wheel at the side of each bell it became possible to swing them until they were on the balance upside down. This meant that each bell could be ‘held-up’ or brought down more quickly thereby changing sequences according to ‘methods’. In Beckley and Peasmarsh both our churches have a peal of six bells in good working order. The ‘band’ meets for bell practice every Thursday evening at 7pm usually alternating on a weekly basis between churches. Great strength is not required as ringers become more efficient as they learn the skills. So, a wide age range is possible. We ring before the main Sunday service, for Weddings, Funerals when the bells may be muffled and for special days in the church calendar.
If you would like to know more about bell ringing at the national level go to the central council of bell ringers website at www.ccbr.org.uk. If you would like to find out more about ringing for our village churches please email by clicking HERE
You would be very welcome to arrange a visit to a practice, meet us and find out about how you might begin to learn bell ringing. We also have our own social events as well as those organized by the Sussex County Association of Change Ringers. These highly enjoyable occasions provide opportunities to meet other ringers and also visit other towers. |
