Join a free online introductory course to bell ringing organised by the Wensleydale bell ringers.
The Wensleydale ringers are offering a series of short interactive on-line presentations on the joy, techniques, and benefits of bell ringing. We invite everyone to join us in these sessions, from those who have simply wondered about how the bells are rung through to those interested in whether bell ringing is for them. Lockdown presents an excellent opportunity to investigate a new hobby from the armchair, with an open invitation to come and learn for real in your local bell tower once lockdown restrictions are eased. The sessions will also be an occasion to meet others in a friendly setting.
Bell ringing is a team activity that keeps your brain active and your body agile. Some do it for the community of friends, some do it to contribute to Church life, some to keep the glorious sound of bells alive, and some do it for the pure pleasure and feeling of well-being it brings.
“when I’m ringing I forget all the tensions and frustrations of the day”.
In Wensleydale we have over 60 active ringers of different ages, male and female. Some of us attend church but others do not: there is no requirement to be a church-goer. Whether your interest is theoretical, or whether you are wondering if bell ringing could be for you, we invite you to join the first of our on-line evening sessions and take it from there. Use your lockdown to learn about a new potential hobby! Bell ringing does not require great strength and we have had children as young as 10 learning in Wensleydale. Many others learn in retirement.
The bell towers of the Wensleydale area are at the churches of Askrigg, Aysgarth, Bedale, East Witton, Kirkby Malzeard, Middleham and Masham, and those living within reach of those churches are particularly welcome to participate in our course.
