The quintessentially British art of church bell ringing has been practised for hundreds of years and indeed some of the bells that are still being rung are themselves hundreds of years old.

Bell ringing is a team and thereby a social activity that not only stimulates the brain but also keeps you fit. However, it does not require much strength to ring bells – a sense of timing is as important, so ringing is well within the capabilities of most people. Ringers also come from all walks of life and range in age from 10 years to those well into their 80s. What about the mental side? Being able to count is all the maths you will need and you can become a very good ringer without knowing anything about music. Many consider ringing to be their contribution to church life but everyone does it for the pure pleasure and the company brings.

And, of course, when the team is working well together a wonderful sound is produced.

The Wheathill Benefice

Of the four churches within this Benefice, three have working bells – Kingweston has a set of five whilst both Lydford and Barton St David have a ring of six. Generally we ring at one of the three churches prior to morning Sunday service (occasionally in the evening) and at weddings. We also practice weekly on a Monday evening starting at 7.30 p.m. at one of the three churches. If you would like to start ringing, or indeed would like to come along to one of our practices just to see what goes on please telephone Neill Thomas on (01458) 223613 or Ralph Berry on (01963) 240164 and you will be given the venue of the next practice evening. Similarly, if you happen to be out one evening and hear the bells please just call in at the church we would be delighted to see you.