Local residents aged 9 to 99 are being invited to “have a go” at one of Burnham-On-Sea’s oldest traditions, as St Andrew’s Church looks for new recruits to join its team of full-circle bellringers.
The Grade I listed church in Victoria Street has a ring of eight bells dating back to 1823. The tenor — the heaviest of the set — weighs 22 cwt, around 1,118 kg, and is tuned to E-flat.
The bells have marked Sundays, weddings, civic occasions and moments of national mourning for generations, including half-muffled ringing for the late Queen and peals for the Coronation of King Charles III.
Tower Secretary Richard Christie says bellringing is far more than a Sunday duty.
“It is a great way to meet people, keep active, learn a new skill and be part of a long tradition at the heart of St Andrew’s and our community,” he says.
“Most people aged 9 to 99 can learn to ring — no experience is needed. Come along, meet the team and have a go. Everyone is welcome.”
Practice night is every Wednesday at 7.30pm. Sunday service ringing is from 9.15am to 10am. Newcomers can simply to turn up, or contact Richard first on 07484 868681 or rwchristie80@aol.com.
The ringers are members of the Bridgwater Branch of the Bath and Wells Diocesan Association of Change Ringers. The church describes the activity as a team skill that “stimulates the brain, helps keep you fit and makes a glorious sound.”
St Andrew’s famous leaning tower has opened to the public on several occasions in recent years, giving visitors a chance to climb the 108 steps, see the bells and look out over the town, the seafront and the Somerset Levels. Funds from those open days have gone towards maintenance of the historic bells, some of which are more than two centuries old.
Full details of the bells and how to join are at standrewsbos.uk/st-andrews-church-bells/
