Learn to ring

We can teach the skills needed to ring a bell to most people who are aged from about 11 or 12 up to "much older".  Ringers don't need to have any musical training or ability, or be mathematically inclined, but do need to be able to climb the 50 steps of the spiral staircase up to the ringing chamber, stand for a period of time, have the use of both of their arms and hands, and be able to hear.

To become a ringer with us it is not necessary to be a member of the All Saints congregation nor of the Church of England. Although the Church owns the bells and ringing takes place in a church building it is, for many ringers, a secular activity. We do hope, however, that everybody we teach will agree to join us to ring on Sunday mornings as well as at practices. Attending the church service that follows is not required.

Teaching starts with one-to-one lessons on a silenced bell with an experienced tutor. These take place separately from the normal band practice. It usually takes 10-15 hours of instruction, and sometimes a bit more, to acquire the basis of an efficient technique. We prefer to complete this early training as quickly as possible, either in a few long sessions (with breaks of course), or in shorter but frequent lessons. Times can be arranged to suit your convenience. There is no charge for this training, nor for attendance at normal practices.

Once sufficient control of the bell has been developed novice ringers will continue their instruction at our Tuesday evening practices, ringing with others and developing further skills - first ringing rounds accurately, then call changes and then onto the rich variety of method ringing.