On the 7th June 2025, St Bartholomew's Coaley hosted the National Call Change Competiton, which invited 14 teams from all over the country to take part.

They ranged from Leicestershire, to Bow (London) with a large proportion coming from Devon & Cornwall, as the ringing for this particular event was "Devon style".

This style is slightly faster than what is regularly rung for the services and performances at Coaley, with points being awarded for rhythm, accuracy as well as the "rising" and "lowering" of the bells.

The winners this year were the team from St Paul's, Birmingham.

Coaley was put forward as a candidate to host the event by Ian Bucknell, whose daughter Sarah and her family live in the village. With Coaley being recognised as not only a very suitable tower because of the bells and tower access, but also the extremely inclusive and friendly environment that Terry Chivers brings to the ringing chamber.

The event was supported by a host of amazing volunteers all under Sarah's outstanding organisation and the entire day went without a single hitch. The event, the organisation, and the village has received no end of positive and welcoming feedback.

The village was supportive as ever, with the church putting on coffee and cake sales for the competitors, all those that helped in the village hall with food preparation, and the locals for offering up their drives and fields for parking. It is hoped that any disruption brought by the event was surpassed by the huge success, pride and overall enjoyment from all who were involved.

As well as Coaley hosting the competition, thanks must be made to those local towers who opened up their doors for visitors throughout the day. A great turnout was seen by all, and very generous donations by the visiting ringers will go a long way to keep the maintenance of the bells and ringing chambers going.

The event was equally successful in raising funds for the church, with just under £800 being made in total from a mixture of fish & chips, bar sales, tea & cake, raffle and other donations etc. This money raised goes straight back into the church to ensure that it remains able to be the centre of the village and supporting its community.

If anyone wishes to learn more about the bells or are interested (or indeed inspired by the competition!) to take part, all are welcome no matter the age or ability. The practice sessions are every Wednesday at 7:30pm, with ringing also done 30mins prior to the Sunday service in the church. For more details, please contact the Coaley Bellringers on Facebook, or via email: coaleybellringers@gmail.com.