Bellringing at St. John's Parish Church, Halifax

Learning to Ring

How is it done?
The bells are tuned to a diatonic scale and it is usual to start with the bells ringing down the scale, a sequence which ringers call "rounds". The order in which the bells sound is then altered to give different sequences of rows or "changes", as we ringers call them - hence the name Change Ringers.

Changes may be called out individually by the conductor, and this style is known as call-change ringing, which are simple and musical and often used for weddings. Alternatively, the changes may be made to a pre-set pattern or "method", and each ringer must learn that method in order to know when his or her particular bell must sound in each row. This style is known as method ringing. Call changes and a few standard methods are rung in most towers and this makes it very easy for ringers to visit and ring with other bands.

When do we ring the bells?

• For church services - see the Ringing Times page
• For weddings
• For other special or national occasions
• For ringers' practice and pleasure
• Or for quarter peals (around 45 minutes ringing) and peals (over 3 hours ringing)

How can I find out more?
Contact your local church, and your vicar may be able to help you.

Which my nearest church with a ring of bells?
Visit Dove's Guide and enter your area to search.