Learning Bellringing in Dorset and Wiltshire
Recruiting Now
Come and join us and to help ring our church bells. Most people have the ability to become a good ringer. Great physical strength is not required and people of all ages from 12 upwards are welcome.
Perhaps you used to ring and would consider taking it up again? If you think you might be a little rusty, don’t worry! You’ll be surprised at just how quickly and easily you can pick up ringing again.
To find out where you can learn anywhere in our region which covers the counties of Dorset, Wiltshire and a small part of Hampshire, go to our tower directory below and find a bell tower near to you. Details of practice times and the tower correspondent will be shown. Alternatively, send an email to our Guild Ringing Master who will put you in touch with a band who can teach you locally.
What to Expect
You probably already know that church bell ringing is a traditional art and an important part of our national heritage. You’ll also discover it’s a fun, healthy and sociable activity. Bell ringers exercise their bodies, stimulate their minds and make new friends.
You will be joining a community of people from all walks of life throughout the UK and across the world. There are many opportunities to visit other towers, join in social activities and ring for special events and competitions.
You will need to commit to a period of intensive one to one tuition to master the basic skills of bell handling before you can start to ring with others. It normally takes 1 or 2 hours practice a week for a period of six weeks or more to become competent at ringing a bell on your own.
You don’t need to be a christian or attend church to be a bell ringer but we are all expected to support the church by regularly ringing the bells for Sunday services, festivals and celebrations.
Find your nearest teaching tower and ringing teacher
Interested in learning to ring but not sure where to start? If you know there is ringing at your local church you could go along there and find out what it’s like. If you’re not sure, use the map below to find your nearest teaching tower.
This page is for anyone who would like to learn to ring church bells in Dorset or Wiltshire. It is a resource that introduces new people to someone who may be able to teach them bellringing.
Note to towers: please help us keep this page up to date:
- If your tower is not featured and you are now able to recruit and teach learners please ask the webmaster for your tower to be included.
- Similarly, if you no longer have anyone able to teach please ask us to remove you from this page.
