Information for parents of young ringers
What is bellringing?
You’ve probably heard bells ringing, but not many people have been inside a bell tower. A tower usually has between 6 and 12 bells. Each is attached to a wheel that has a rope that one ringer controls.
Who does it?
Ringers are people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a hobby that is enjoyed by people from 9 to 90 years old and older.
You don’t need any special skills to be a ringer.
What makes a good ringer?
A ringer needs a sense of coordination, good rhythm and to be able to work as a team. Some commitment to attend practices, to do a bit of self-directed learning and a little patience to overcome occasional frustrations is also helpful.
Do you have to go to church?
You don’t have to be a Christian to ring bells. Some ringers are members of the church, but many others aren’t. You are not expected to attend any religious events as a ringer.
What does it cost?
Bellringing is a very, very cheap hobby as it’s all volunteer led. Ringers even get paid a small amount sometimes! You don’t need any equipment, just wear clothes that allow you to lift your arms above your head easily.
How long does learning take?
With weekly sessions, it takes a couple of months to learn the physical skill of ringing a bell.
After learning the physical skill, there is a lifetime ahead learning and ringing the different patterns that make the distinctive bellringing sound.
Do I need to accompany my child?
No, parents do not need to accompany their child, but they are very welcome to come along and even have a go. Ringing is a community which spans the generations. Many towers have several generations of a family ringing.
What skills will bellringing develop?
Ringing has a lot of transferable skills that look good on job and UCAS applications. Ringing develops teamwork, co-ordination, leadership, concentration, listening, and even analytical skills.
Does it count towards DofE awards?
Ringing can count towards the skill section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
As a skill with many levels you can progress your ringing from Bronze through to Silver and Gold awards.
What else do ringers do?
Ringers are a very sociable crowd. Many practice nights are followed by trips to the pub (for the over-18s!).
You can become a member of various societies, which arrange events like outings, formal dinners, and pub quizzes.
How you do it?
There’s a lot more to ringing than just ‘pulling a rope’. Ringing is a combination of a physical and mental skill performed as a team.
The result is a unique sound produced by individuals all working together.
Bellringers in Wales are members of the following territorial associations who organise ringing in their locality.
