What do you want to know?
Q. Who can learn?
A. New ringers come to us via a variety of different routes – some approach their local church, whilst others come to us through a personal recommendation, internet search or social media with no connection to any church with bells. In all cases, it is our aim to place our students with local bands in the area, whilst still looking after their training needs.
Q. How old do I need to be?
A. Anyone aged 11 and over, sometimes younger if you can reach the ropes.
Q. Do I need to be fit?
A. In reasonable health and able to climb stairs
Q. Do I need to be strong?
A. No! It’s all about skill and technique.
Q. Do I need to be musical?
A. You don’t need to be musical. Ringers ring patterns, a bit like dancing, but you do need to be able to count.
Q. Do I need to be good at maths?
A. Being able to count is all the maths needed and you can become a very good ringer.
Q. Where do we ring?
A. We primarily ring at our local churches, who let us ring free of charge:
- St John’s, New Alresford
- St Mary’s, Old Alresford
- St Michael’s, Cheriton
- St Andrew’s, Titchbourne
- St Peter’s, Ropley
- St Nicholas, Bishops’ Sutton
- Mondays 7:30pm – St Mary’s Old Alresford
- Tuesdays 7:30pm – St Peter’s Ropley
- Thursdays 7:30pm – St Michael’s Cheriton
- Fridays 7:00pm – St John’s New Alresford
Q. Do I need to attend church services?
A. Attending the church services that we ring for is not an essential requirement of anyone learning to ring. Whilst some people consider bell ringing to be part of their church-related activity, others do it for leisure and pleasure, and to maintain a tradition and connection with the local community that has existed for several centuries.
Q. What should I wear for ringing?
A. When ringing, it’s best to wear comfortable and practical clothing that allows free movement for safety and comfort.
- Prioritise safety: Avoid anything that could get caught on ropes or moving parts, such as ties, scarves, long or dangly jewellery, and items hanging from your belt.
- Choose non-restrictive clothing, particularly around your shoulders and arms; avoid tight sleeves or cuffs.
- Wear comfortable, flat, closed-toe shoes with good grip, like trainers or everyday shoes, as bell towers may have uneven stairs. Avoid high heels or slippery soles.
- Ensure modesty by avoiding floaty frocks and low-cut tops; check that no midriff or underwear is visible when you raise your arms (you can check in a mirror). Dressing modestly is respectful in religious settings.
- Consider wearing layers like a t-shirt with a jumper or cardigan, as bell towers can be draughty, but you’ll likely warm up ringing.
Q. Do you have any specific clothing suggestions?
A. Yes we suggest:
- Polo shirts or T-shirts.
- Sweaters or Jumpers for warmth.
- Jeans or trousers for comfort.
- Flat closed-toed shoes.