Bathwick Bellringers
… are looking for new recruits!
Have you ever thought about having a go at bell ringing? If you live in Bath you've no doubt heard
bells being rung in one of the towers in the city on a Sunday morning for services; on a weekday
evening for practices; and often on a sunny Saturday afternoon to celebrate a wedding. Ever wondered
who's doing it?
About Bell Ringing…
Bell ringers have a fairly unique hobby that combines both physical and mental challenges – although
you don't need to be an athlete or a rocket scientist! – in an activity that spans music and maths
– although you don't need to be a Beethoven or an Einstein! – and is broadcast to the community and
parish to mark the start of church services and special events – although you don't need to be a
church goer.
About the Band…
We've got a relatively young band at Bathwick and we're a sociable bunch. We practice on a Wednesday evening from
7:30pm until 9:00pm followed by a trip to the Barley Mow for a refrehment (or two). We ring on Sunday mornings from
9:15am for a 10:30am service and also for special occasions such as weddings. There are about 15 of us in the band
but we're always keen to welcome new members; whether they've rung in the past or never touched a rope before.
Open Evening
On Wednesday 13th August (2014) we're holding an Open Evening in the tower at St Mary's and opening the
belfy door to anyone who wants to find out more about bell ringing and/or learning to ring. Come along
anytime between 6:30pm and 9pm and we'll literally show you the ropes!
Children are very welcome to come as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
No need to book – just turn up on the night.
Beginner's Course
If you're interested in learning to ring, we're running a 6-week Beginner's Course starting on Wednesday 3rd September,
7:30pm.
On the course you will learn how to handle a bell individually and then how to ring it as one bell in a band.
We'll also take you through the terminology, knots and history of bell ringing.
At the end of the course you can decide whether you'd like to join us in the local band and start coming to the regular
practices on Wednesday evenings.
For more information about coming on the course, please contact Tom Longridge on 01225 422915
or email tomlongridge@gmail.com.
Accessiblity
Unfortunately the tower is not well designed for disabled access. There are only 20 steps to the ringing room
however as it is a stone spiral staircase we are not able to accommodate wheelchairs.
More About Ringing…
For more information about bell ringing, see http://www.cccbr.org.uk/changeringing.
Finding Us
Click here
for a map of the area. We're the church on the roundabout at the bottom of Bathwick Hill. Postcode for SatNavs is
BA2 4ED.
