Bellringing
You do not need to be strong, musical or brainy to learn to ring, although a sense of rhythm helps. You only need to practice one night a week and ring for service on Sunday though you will improve faster if you can do more.
The art of change ringing on Church Bells has developed in England over the last 500 years but it has spread to few other parts of the world outside of Great Britain. To the uninformed, English bells may sound the same as those in other parts of the world, but our style of ringing is much more formalised. Most bells in England are hung so that they can be rung ‘full circle’.
Visiting ringers are always welcome to join in on practice nights and both towers welcome visiting teams. Before you come, please contact the appropriate person for each church as detailed below.
All Saints Biddenden — 8 bells, practice Thursday’s 7.30pm (New start time From 1st April, previously 7:45pm.)
There are about 6 regular ringers at Sunday services, although practices are sometimes attended by as many as 9 with helpers from other towers. The age range at Biddenden stretches from teenagers to retirees, and new ringers are welcome, whether experienced or absolute beginners. Learn more about the bells in Biddenden, and the art of change ringing, here.
Visiting ringers and teams to Biddenden please phone Brian Bennewith on 01580 292052.
Please find attached the All Saints Bell Ringing Policy document
Bell ringing Policy Document – Biddenden May 2017
St Michael Smarden — 6 bells, practice Wednesdays 7.45pm
We have about 6 regular ringers at Sunday services though Wednesday practices are sometimes attended by as many as 10. Learn more about the bells in Smarden, and the art of change ringing, here.
We are always looking for new ringers to join our band. If you would like to find out more please contact our Tower Captain – Tim Munt on 01622 891724 / 07590 918994 or come along to a practice night on a Wednesday evening between 7.45pm and 9.15pm.
Visiting ringers and teams to Smarden should email Sheila Phyall at s.phyall@btinternet.com.