Bell Ringing
Bell ringing or
campanology is an art, which has been passed from generation
to generation
in Britain for over three hundred years. It is a wonderful
blend of sport, music, exercise, friendship, a challenge to your wits and
skill, a wonderful satisfaction when you get it right and a service to
the Church.
Almost anyone from age 7 to 70 (and beyond) can learn to
ring bells. You can take things at your own pace and don't
have to learn complicated methods if you don't want to.
This is a very social hobby and you can visit other towers
(and their local pubs) for variety or to gain more experience.
Most towers arrange bell ringing outings and other social
events. When you have reached a certain standard, most towers
would expect you to ring for church services but you don't
have to stay.
Bell ringing celebrates the joy of weddings and victories,
intones the sadness of deaths and funerals, and summons people
to church. The casual listener immediately recognises that
some bells play hymns, songs and melodies. Those bells are
called carillons or chimes. They do not swing, and the striking
of the clappers is controlled by one person, the carillonneur
or chimer.
Lyneham's Bells
Six old bells are located in the tower and are orchestrated by the local bell-ringers.
The image on the left shows the ropes stowed in the first floor layer of the
tower.
Walking around the village it is a pleasure to hear the melodies
played as the church bells ring. The local campanologist, alias,
Lyneham Bell Ringers, practise their skills to ensure they
are in tip-top order and sound their best at the many ceremonies.
If you are interested in becoming a campanologist at St Michael
and All Angels, please contact the church in the first instance
or contact their Captain Bellringer Dave Seymour by e-mail  david.seymour1@virgin.net.
Practice night is Wednesday evenings from 7:45 to 9:00 pm.
Sunday service ringing is from 10:00 to 10:30. There are currently
twelve ringers who are of varying ability and ages (from 14
to approximately 59). |
