At Bentley Common, St Paul’s, Essex. The original ring of 5 bells was cast and hung in a wooden frame (oak) in 1880 by Mears and Stainbank of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. A new treble, also cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, was added in 1965 and hung in a metal frame above the other 5 bells. It was dedicated by the Venerable W.N.Welch M.A. the archdeacon of Southend on Sunday 17th October 1965. There is a left handed spiral, stone staircase to reach the bells, approx. 20 steps to the ringing chamber where there are a number of peal boards dating back to 8/6/1946. The 6 bells are in C#. Treble Bell . 2cwt 1qtr 13lbs in A#. Inscribed MEARS 1965 LONDON. It measures 21inches in diameter. Second Bell. 2cwt 2qtrs 15lbs in G#. Inscribed MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON,1879. 23 inches in diameter. Third Bell. 3cwt 0qtrs 9lbs in F#. Inscribed MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS,LONDON,1879. 24 inches in diameter.
Fourth Bell. 3cwt 1qtr 24lbs in E#. Inscribed MEARS & STAINBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1979. 24 inches in diameter. Fifth Bell 4cwt 0qtrs 3lbs in D#. Inscribed MEARS & STAINBANK,FOUNDERS,LONDON,1879. 27 inches in diameter. Tenor Bell. 4cwt-1qtr-17lbs in C#. Inscription MEARS & STAINBANK,FOUNDERS, LONDON, 1879. TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND FOR THE JOY OF HIS PEOPLE ME-THE REVEREND CHARLES ALMERIC BELLI CAUSED TO BE MADE DEC 19TH A.D.1879. 29 inches in diameter. HOW CAN I LEARN TO RING
People from all walks of life and of all ages learn to ring bells. You are never too old to begin and children can generally start from about age 11. It is good exercise both physically and mentally With one ringer to each bell it can be seen that it is a team activity and fellowship amongst ringers is renowned.
An absorbing hobby, you will first need to learn bell handling, how to make it go fast and slow and sound at the right time. You will then progress to simple ringing with others and then learn methods (patterns) to widen the experience. Teaching is overseen by a qualified instructor.
If you are interested in knowing more, then please contact one of the above for further details and we would be happy to arrange for you to attend a practice night to demonstrate what it is all about and even give you the chance to pull on a rope! Tower Captain : John Cousins – 01277 372737 or cousins38@live.co.uk Deputy Tower Captain : Rowena Marshall – 01277 222814 or rowenamarshall@outlook.com PRACTICE NIGHT: Tuesday from 7.45pm to 9.15pm (please contact the above to confirm it is taking place). |