If you have ever wondered how the traditional British sound of bells ringing is made, why not come along and find out? The art of change-ringing was invented in Britain during the 1600’s.
Unusually, the bell is balanced upside down with its mouth upwards.Once the bell-ringer pulls on the rope, momentum takes over as the bell falls from the vertical and passes full circle to rest upright and upside down again. Another pull brings the bell back to its starting position.The clapper hits the bell only once each time the bell swings giving the bell ringer total control over when the bell sounds.
The eight bells at Caldicot together weigh over 3¼ tons, with the largest weighing over ½ a ton on its own (it has rung over Caldicot for 560 years and is still heard every Sunday).However, because of the ingenious method of having the bells upside down to begin with, strength is not needed and a 12 year old can set a 1 ton bell in motion.
Anyone who could or can ride a bike could become a bell ringer; literally from age ten to eighty. Famous bell-ringers include Sir Isaac Newton, Norma Major and TV presenter Timmy Mallet, who has visited and rung the bells at Caldicot.
Why not come along and find out why so many people are attracted to this addictive hobby which is also a great way to meet great people?There will even be a chance to have a go yourself.You can even come along for FREE lessons if you enjoy it!There is also an opportunity to learn about handbell ringing.
