...the art of change ringing is something which new recruits often find hard to pick up and they usually start by training on a special computer simulator. They still pull the bell ropes, but the metal clappers in the bells have been tied up by bungees to stop them ringing, while the wheels to which each bell is attached passes an electronic sensor and sends a message to a PC downstairs in the ringing chamber, which then plays the sound of the bell. This ingenious technology spares those who live nearby having to listen to hours and hours of learner ringers, mistakes and all.

Irene Stanford-Wood, one of the newest members at Bingley, began with the simulator in September and is now ready for her first Christmas as a ringer. "I always thought you had to be big and strong, but I'm five-foot three and just under eight stone. So really it's more about the technique and keeping track of changes.

"I like the fact that bell ringing is a public service as well as a performance. But it's one that's a team effort, and there's no room for prima donnas among bellringers."

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Church of England (CoE) • * Christian Life / Church Life • Liturgy, Music, Worship • Parish Ministry

1. Laura R. wrote: This makes me want to go back and read The Nine Tailors .  As I recall, it was on New Year’s Eve or Day that Wimsey volunteered to help out with a major peal. January 1, 12:44 pm | [comment link]

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