St. Marychurch has a ring of 10 bells with the heaviest weighing 17 ½ cwts. When the Tower was built a ring of 8 bells was cast by John Warner of London and hung in an Oak frame by Stokes of Woodbury in 1877. These bells had a faithful team of ringers up to World War 2. The bomb which hit the church in 1943 did not demolish the tower or damage the bells. However, the re-building of the rest of the church took precedence and it was not until 1975 that any attention was paid to the bells.  This was a rescue operation and enabled the bells to be heard again but the bells were far from easy to ring. In 1987 after an enthusiastic fund raising campaign the bells were re hung in a frame for 10 bells by John Taylor & Co. In 1989 two treble bells were cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry and hung by the ringers.

RINGING

Ringing takes place every Sunday morning from 9-30am for the 10-00am Mass and most Sunday evenings at 6-00pm for Evensong & Benediction. Practice night is on Tuesday from 7-30 to 9-00pm.

Visitors are always welcome at these times.

The ringing is call change and method ringing with method ringing predominating. Quarter Peals lasting 45 to 50 minutes are often rung either for services or as a way of gaining experience. We have a system of soundproofing which means that the bells are available for full peals lasting about 3 hours and these are rung from time to time.

We often ring for weddings and offer a service to our neighbouring church which does not have a set of bells.

The ringers belong to the Guild of Devonshire Ringers and several members hold office at branch and Guild level.

NEW MEMBERS

Our ringers always welcome visitors either just to see what we do or with a view to learning to ring.  This is a friendly group who enjoy learning and progressing together.

CONTACT

Tower Captain is Martin Mansley

So if you're interested or would like to find out more, give us a call, e-mail or fill in the reply form (click here)