For whom the bell tolls - a look at the bells ringing in your local village

  • Published
  • By Dr. Robert Allen
  • 352nd Special Operations Group Historian
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  If you live within earshot of the church (Anglican) in a local village, you've probably wondered about the bell ringing that happens in the evening once a week.

Your sponsor or estate agent probably didn't mention it when you were house hunting, so this article should give you a look at the old and very English tradition of pattern, or method, bell ringing. Most of the local Church of England village churches were built in the 1400s, and most had a set of bells. By the 1700s, bands of bell ringers had developed various patterns that could be rung on their church bells.

Bell mounts were modified so the bells were attached to side wheels, which allowed easier and faster pulling on the ropes (bells are bronze and can weigh several hundred pounds). The number of bells was often increased as well; many of our local churches have six to 10 bells.

The primary function of Anglican bells is to announce to the community that a church service is about to begin. They're also rung for special events such as weddings, special anniversaries, and other significant events (such as the ending of World War II).

The way of "making a joyful noise" with bells is what's different in England. There is no simple "ding-dong" by one or two bells, nor are tunes played like a carillon. Back to why there is weekday evening bell ringing - to ring safely and in the right pattern requires a lot of practice.

It takes many months of pulling a rope with an instructor's help before most people develop the right combination of eye, hand and muscle coordination to keep control of the bell in the chamber above you.

Doing it right is a very satisfying feeling, similar to a good golf swing, catching a big fish, or bowling a strike or spare.

Joining the bell ringing fun is also a good way to meet local villagers, too. By the way, although bell ringers are welcome at church services, it is not mandatory.

If you want to try ringing yourself, contact your local church or check Dove's Guide for Church Bell Ringers (http://dove.ccbr.org.uk).

Even if you only go a few times, you will have experienced a special side of life in the community you live in, and the sound of church bells will never be the same again.