The bell ringers ring from 09.30 to 10.00 at the Parish Eucharist each Sunday. They also ring for weddings, occasionally funerals, special services, festivals, and sometimes just for fun! The ringers meet every week to practice at about 19.30 on Thursday evenings.
St. James is fortunate to have a peal of 8 bells in F (Tenor 11cwt, 3 qtrs, and 7 pounds). The bells were originally cast by Mears and Stainbank of Whitechapel and hung in 1875. Re-hung and re-tuned in 1989, St James’ has one of the nicer peals to both ring and listen to in the diocese. A sound control system allows the ringers to reduce the volume significantly for practices and other non-service ringing.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be either musical or have enormous biceps to be a bellringer, or campanologist as ringers are known. The bells are rung by a band of about a dozen people ranging from school-age up to post retirement – the group has had ringers aged 10 to 100. Anyone is welcome to try ringing. The group also welcomes any ringers who would like to visit, either individually to a practice or service ring, or as part of a band on an outing or for a peal. The group has a good social life as well!
For further information please contact either the Tower Secretary (Linda Strange on 01932 830947) or the Tower Captain (Neill Rubidge on 01932 844743).
N.B. During the current coronavirus emergency the bells are not being rung.