Ringing does not require musical knowledge or strength, but a sense of rhythm and good hand/eye coordination are essential. It also needs dedication. The process of developing skills and learning methods never stops. However good you get, there is always something more challenging to try.
What you get in return is a leisure activity that can last a lifetime. As well as the physical and mental challenges, ringers get involved in visiting different towers, bell maintenance, composing the patterns that are rung, studying the history of ringing or teaching the next generation of ringers. If you travel elsewhere, you will almost always find a welcome in the local tower. And it’s fun!
For more background information on ringing, go to this page
The process of learning to ring can be divided into three stages:
Stage 1
Learning to control a bell is similar to learning to ride a bike. Some take to it straight away, others take longer. Lessons usually last about one hour, and are needed at least twice a week for several weeks. In some cases it may be possible to arrange accelerated training with several hours of lessons each day over consecutive days.
Stage 2
Learners will start attending the Monday evening practice in order to get experience ringing with others. There will also be some additional sessions using our ringing simulator allowing bell control technique and listening skills to be refined.
Stage 3
Once a ringer can ring with other people without the need for assistance, then it is time to start learning 'change ringing'. Once a ringer gets to this stage they are expected to start coming to the service ringing on a Sunday morning as well as the Monday practices. Some additional sessions using the simulator can still be very useful.
Do I need to be very strong? No. Ringers swing bells weighing the same as a small car through a full circle, but it is done using technique, not strength. But you do need to be fit enough to climb the 47 steps up the tower!
Do I need musical knowledge? No. While a sense of rhythm is needed, we learn patterns and rules instead of reading music. If you can memorise a short piece of poetry, then you have the required ability.
What about Covid? At the moment we require anyone learning to have had two vaccinations. The ringing room ventilation has been tested to ensure that it meets the recommended levels. We have procedures in place to reduce risks, and these are regularly reviewed in line with current advice.
How much does it cost to learn? There are a small number of books that you will need for reference, which cost a total of about £50. We do not currently charge for teaching people to ring, but all ringers are asked to make a small donation (about £1 - £2) at each practice. These are used to help maintain the bell installation and fund ringing events.
Is it dangerous? Learning to ring is safe if instructions are followed during training. Many experience a few aches after the first lessons, due to using muscles in a new way, but this soon passes. A few small blisters on the hands are not uncommon at this stage, especially with intensive lessons.
What should I wear? Clothing should allow you to easily stretch your arms upwards. Avoid wearing Jewellery that might catch on a moving rope.
Am I too young to learn to ring? We do not usually teach anyone under the age of 12, although the current requirement for learners to be double-vaccinated might prevent this in some cases. If you are under 18 then we will need written permission from a parent/guardian. They will also need to read the information on the Information for Parents/Guardians page.
Am I too old to learn to ring? There is no upper age limit, but you need to be reasonably fit and have good reaction times. As with learning any new skill, younger people usually make better progress, so it is important to set realistic expectations.
Can I learn if I'm not available on Sunday mornings / Monday evenings? Teaching a new ringer requires a lot of effort, so it is unlikely that we would teach anyone who is not able to make a contribution to the team activities. We can put you in touch with a team that practice on a different evening, but few teams will teach someone who is not available to ring on a Sunday.
Do I have to come to all of the practices and service ringing? No, but we do expect ringers to come to most of them. In particular a new ringer will not make progress if they do not attend regularly.
Do I have to go to church services? No. We understand that ringers might have many other commitments, belong to a different religion or be atheists. In these situations ringers can leave quietly just before the start of the service.
Contact us and we will arrange lessons at a suitable time. If you are not from the Derby area then we can probably put you in touch with ringers close to where you live.
You can also arrange to visit the tower first to see what goes on. See the Visit Us page for details.
You can see some videos about learning to ring here.