BELL-RINGING
A full circle bell with clapper half-muffled. A leather muffle is put over one side only of the clapper ball. This gives a loud strike, then a muffled strike alternately. The bell is shown inverted in the "rest position". Half-muffles are usually used for funerals and occasions of remembrance or mourning. Photo by: Dougsim
Have you ever thought about trying your hand at bell ringing?
To this day, the ringing of church bells remains vitally important and much appreciated. It is a reminder of the church’s presence in the community and the sound of their peal on Sunday mornings instantly lets hundreds of local people in the surrounding area know that a service is about to start. It’s a centuries-old method of communication far more effective than any email or text message!
We are lucky in Overton that we have a dedicated group of bell ringers for whom this is a rewarding and satisfying hobby. But they would warmly welcome newcomers to join them. If you are interested in having a go, get in touch with our Tower Captain Clare Morris and she’ll be happy to help get you started. You can contact Clare by email at overtonbellringers@outlook.com or via the Contact page on this website.
What is Bell Ringing?
In the article below, Clare gives an introduction to bell ringing and how it works at St Mary’s Church
Bell History at Overton - Key Dates
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New ropes
In October 2021 the Friends of St Mary’s supported the purchase of a new set of bell ropes. The previous new set was installed in 1999 and were becoming very worn. They were also affected badly by the weather, shrinking in high moisture and lengthening in warm, dry weather.
The new ropes were manufactured by Avon Ropes Ltd and have pre-stretched synthetic uppers and traditional hemp rope ends. The new colours of the sallies is red, green and white - the colours of the Welsh flag.
Could you become a ringer?
Bell ringing is fun and suitable for young people and adults of all ages – individuals, couples, families or groups; it’s for all faiths and none. You don’t have to be musical, mathematical or strong.
It’s enjoyable and satisfying and a gentle workout with mental stimulation, burning calories, toning muscles and relieving stress. You can make new friends, enjoy social activities and be part of a team and community.
It is an inexpensive hobby, and it boosts skills such as teamwork, leadership, co-ordination, listening and analysing. It is an all-weather, year-round activity which can fit in with your other commitments. Most ringers practise once a week and ring before or after church service on Sunday.
Many different societies have been formed, bringing together people from the same geographies or similar interests – all of them being pretty much an excuse to do more ringing!
In this region, the North Wales Association of Church Bell Ringers www.nwacbr.wales represents church bell ringers across the three regional branches of North East Wales, Gwynedd and West Clwyd and Montgomeryshire.
For further information / to get started email: overtonbellringers@outlook.com
