The sound of bells are known well throughout the British Isles, and are mostly associated with churches in the English countryside.  However, the art of change ringing is practiced throughout the British Isles from the biggest cities right through to the smallest villages.

Full circle change ringing is not exclusive to the United Kingdom either.  It is widely practiced in a number of other countries throughout the world, including Australia (Sydney especially), New Zealand, The United States of America and South Africa.

How is it done?

In the towers throughout the world where change ringing is practiced, all most people are aware of is that 'you pull a rope and the bell goes bong!'.  

The type of Bellringing that we do, is known as full circle ringing, because the bell swings through 360 degrees, through the pulling of the rope down below. The rope winds itself around the wheel as the bell rotates.

From the starting point, the ringer will pull the sally (the fluffy bit!), whilst holding the end of the rope and the bell will tip over.  As the bell rotates, the rope will wind itself around the wheel and be taken up, causing the ringer on the end, to let go of the sally and stretch above their head whilst holding onto the end of the rope. The ringer then pulls the rope straight back down in one long, smooth pull (the backstroke) catching the sally as it appears in front of them! 

This is better understood if you refer to Peter Harrisons image on the right.  You may think that the bell is a bit big in relation to the size of the person, but when you bear in mind that the bell can weigh anything up to 82cwt, you will realise that this is not the case!

The Ringers

To actually learn how to ring, can take anything from a week to a year! Some people pick it up very quickly - others take a bit longer! Another misconception is that only 'old' people ring - it's something taken up in retirement! Nothing could be further from the truth - most people start in their teenage years - or earlier! Basically, once you have the strength, you can ring!