Bell Ringing Q&A — St Peter's Great Totham Bell Ringers

Why are church bells rung?

They are rung before a service to "call" people to worship. We may also be asked to ring for weddings, funerals and other commemorative occasions.
How long does it take to learn to ring the bells?

Like any other musical instrument, the time taken varies from person to person. It could be six months, a year or so before the standard of ringing is such that you would be asked to ring on a Sunday morning.
Is it compulsory to ring on a Sunday morning?

No — but we like to welcome as many ringers as possible. You do not have to attend the service after ringing, but you would be welcome to do so.
What about my age?

It is never too late to start ringing. The minimum age is about 12 to 13, but this depends on height — you have to be able to reach the rope when the bell is stood on the backstroke, while standing on a box. Anyone under eighteen will require parental permission before learning to ring.
How much does it cost?

Initially, nothing. Once you have reached a certain standard, you'll be asked whether you wish to join the Essex Association of Change Ringers — the annual membership is around £8. If you go on a tower outing, there's a small charge per person at each tower visited. We wear red polo shirts with a St Peter's Church logo for ringing on a Sunday morning.
Does it matter if I cannot read music?

No. We learn methods from a diagram. Once you can correctly handle a bell, the next step is to ring rounds, then call changes, and then methods.

Get in Touch

Contact the Tower Captain

If you'd like to come along to a Friday practice, learn to ring, ask about ringing for a wedding or funeral, or just have a question — please get in touch with our Tower Captain. We'd love to hear from you.

Phone and email details will go here once the band has decided how they'd like to be contacted.

Email the Tower Captain

Visit a Practice

Friday evenings

7.45pm – 9.00pm

St Peter's Church
Church Road, Great Totham
Essex CM9 8NP

Please get in touch in advance to confirm we'll be ringing.

Bell Ringing Q & A

Contact the Tower Captain

Friday evenings