Latest news with #bellringing
BBC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Devon Churches to ring bells to celebrate 100th anniversary
The sound of bells is likely to be heard throughout Devon on Saturday as the county's bell-ringers' association marks its Devon Association of Ringers said more than 100 towers, and more than 1000 ringers, would sound the bells from 10:00 BST through to 21:00 BST to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Bell ringers at Exeter Cathedral, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Brentor, Chagford and Lundy Island are among those taking part. John Warne, president of the association, who came up with the idea said he hoped the "sounds of bells would be heard" throughout the county, and beyond. 'Quite an achievement' Mr Warne said more than 125 towers were taking part and "were keen to get involved". "Everybody that rings, enjoys ringing, so any opportunity to go out and ring, they will do so." Mr Warne said he had rung bells for more than 50 years and would visit six towers in the South Molton area on said the idea was inspired by Reverend AF McCarthy of Zeal Monachorum, who 100 years ago set up an "association to encourage call change ringing", to get more people to added: "It's a nice way to celebrate and it's quite an achievement to keep going for 100 years."
BBC News
23-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Bells ring at Ropley's St Peter's Church 11 years after fire
All six bells have been been ringing once again at a Grade II listed church which was gutted by a fire in 2014.A blaze, blamed at the time by an electrical fault, engulfed St Peter's Church in the village of Ropley, almost 11 years bells, the largest of which weighs 680kg, were salvaged from the fire and have been in storage ever church, which was rebuilt and reopened in August 2022, has now been able to restore all of the bells thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Records show that bells had hung at the site since the early 18th Century, when Samuel Knight a travelling bellfounder cast five new bells on a site in the 1927, Marianna Hagan, a local philanthropist, paid for them to be restored and for a sixth to be church received more than £62,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the of the local parish have also raised more than £1m to restore the church and to return the is hoped the restored bells can be used to engage future generations in the practice. Alan Parsonson, Ropley Parochial Church Council treasurer, said: "We're delighted that the award received from the National Lottery allows the bells to be rehung as a major step in restoring St Peter's to re-establish itself as a centre of excellence for bell ringing and bell ringers. "Apart from ongoing practices and training it is anticipated that St Peter's will hold an annual event to celebrate the art of bell ringing and the support provided by the National Lottery." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Opportunity to try your hand at church bell ringing
An event is set to offer people the chance to try church bell ringing. Upper Sheringham's All Saints Church will host the session on July 19, between 10.30am and 3pm, as part of its summer fair. The opportunity allows individuals to explore the historic practice of bell ringing, with no prior musical or mathematical skills necessary. The bell ringing activity aims to debunk common misconceptions, such as the need to leave the floor or the risk of flying through the air. Organisers Sue Morton and Shaun Purbrick say the event is open to all, but attendees under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Participants only need to be able to climb a short spiral staircase, stand comfortably, and raise their arms above their heads. A statement from the organisers said: "This could be the start of an amazing new hobby for you." For more information, potential participants can contact Sue Morton, Upper Sheringham Tower Captain, at suejmorton@ or 07957 229866.
