18/01/2022
Ringing of bells
Unattended bells are left in the normal ‘down’ position. Prior to being rung, the bells are ‘rung up’. To raise a bell, the ringer pulls on the rope and starts the bell swinging. Each time the bell swings, more energy is added, raising the bell higher. The bell eventually swings right up, ready to be rung. This is in the ‘up’ position.
Each bell has a clapper inside, which swings the direction the bell swings. The clapper is steel or wrought iron, with a large ball at the end which strikes the bell. The thickest part of a bell is called the soundbow and it’s against this that the ball strikes.
At the beginning of each practice or Sunday service, you hear all of the bells sounding together at the same time. This is because they are all being ‘rung up’, ready to start.
On solemn occasions the bells are rung half-muffled. Muffling a bell involves placing a leather pad to one side of the clapper ball. This deadens the sound on one side and provides a distinctive effect sounding strident and soft alternately.
If you are interested in finding out more, would like to learn, or maybe you are an experienced bell ringer who would like to become involved again, please drop us a message.
