New bell-ringing training centre set up in Street

Learners can now develop their skills without in any way disturbing the peace of neighbouring residents and schools.

Muffles are attached to clappers to silence the sound of the bells outside of the church.

Inside, the ringing recruits still need feedback to tell them how well they are doing and this is provided through sensors attached to the bells.

Marilyn Backhurst, Deputy Master, Bath & Wells Diocesan Association of Change Ringers, officially opening the centre (Image: Mike Palmer)

So, the ringers hear, through a simulator, the outcome of their efforts but only in the tower itself.

This will help people learn more quickly, without however disturbing the peace.

There is a need for more ringers in the country as a whole and in the Glaston branch in particular, covering Wells, Glastonbury, Street and surrounding villages, with in all 18 operational towers.

Mike Palmer, branch secretary and tower captain at St John’s Glastonbury said: “This will provide a wonderful opportunity for people, young and old, to learn a skill exercising mind and body – and make a real contribution to the community.”

The Centre officially opened on Saturday, October 14 at Holy Trinity Church Street at 12.15pm.

Church bells are part of the nation’s heritage, something that can shared by people of all cultures and backgrounds.

They are also instruments of great music, as the bells are individually called to change places or rung to predetermined mathematical patterns. They call worshippers to church and they remind us of the passing of time.

In the past, before the days of clocks and watches, they called people home or to work, to do what they needed to do, in time.

Please contact Mike Palmer, via telephone on 07793 812968 or email GlastonBranch.Secretary@bath-wells.com.

For full information on ringing in the area, visit the Bath & Wells Diocesan Association of Change Ringers website: https://bath-wells.org/