Wanted: Bell Ringers

At present we don’t have enough bell ringers to ring all our bells on Sunday mornings. Although we have taught new ringers over the years, many have are no longer able to commit due to changes in personal circumstances, moving out of the area or going to university.

We would be interested in hearing from anyone who would be interested in trying their hand at bell ringing – full training will be given to those with no previous experience.

So what’s involved?

We ring on Sunday mornings before the services and practice each week (while we expect our ringers to be available on some Sundays, we recognise that it is not possible for everyone to turn up every week)

Learners are taught how to control the bell, they then go on and learn to ring with others and then learn the different “methods” (tunes!)

Develop a hobby of a life time which is good fun, keeps you fit and serves the Church and community.

Make history! In May we shall be ringing for the Coronation of King Charles III. Last year we rang bells for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Ring at weddings and get paid!

Ring at other churches – in recent years we have had outings to Ripon Cathedral and to the West Tanfield area

Come to our Christmas Party!

Who can take part?

We welcome both adults and children as new recruits. This opportunity is equally available to both worshippers and non-worshippers.

For children, we suggest from school year 6 and above (age 10/11 or older) is a good time to start. You can take part in the bell club and get badges for your progress and if you are in the scouts or guides, you can do bell ringing for scout/guide badges or even for your Duke of Edinburgh Award!

There is no upper age limit for adults, you just need to be able to enjoy taking on new challenges and don’t mind climbing the stairs!

For parents: we ask that you attend your child’s first session so you can see what is involved in learning and you will be asked to complete a permission to ring form. Our tower masters and teachers operate under the parish safeguarding policy for the tower concerned. For more information, please visit the parish website – links may be found on this page.

Returning Ringers

We also welcome lapsed bell ringers who wish to return to ringing, we are able to arrange refresher sessions if that would help.

Interested?

Please contact us and we’ll get you to one of our practices or arrange a visit for you to try out our bells. If you wish to join a particular band, we will put you in touch with the master of the tower.