Membership of our Guild is open to any ringer who meets the criteria of living within our geographical area and able to ring well-struck rounds unaided. Members are elected at one of our regular meetings so once you have learned the basics of ringing to this level ask your ringing teacher to propose you for membership.
If you haven’t yet started to learn to ring you should first approach your local tower or visit our Learn to Ring page to find out how to contact towers who can teach learners.
Bellringing is an exciting heritage activity with a rich tradition dating back to the seventeenth century.
Established in 1882, the SDGR covers the geographical area of Dorset, Wiltshire and the Channel Islands. It is divided into nine branches and your local branch will help you get the most from your ringing journey.
Your membership provides you with the opportunity to take part in activities such as:
- Tower and Branch practices
- Branch and Guild Training sessions
- Social activities
- Outings
- Striking Competitions
Other benefits that come with your membership are:
- Personal insurance at Guild events
- Access to learning resources
- Branded clothing
- A copy of the Guild Handbook
- Advice on Bell Maintenance
If you are under the age of 25 years old, there is a Young Ringers group called ‘Go Bellistic’ with events and activities specifically for you.
You may also like to know that our Guild is part of a larger umbrella organisation for Bellringing called the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers. which represents the overall interests of Bellringing and is concerned with public relations, liaising with organisations such as the Church of England, English Heritage and the Churches Conservation Trust. It also offers advice about bell maintenance and restoration, training and regulation of performances. Most importantly, it publishes a weekly subscription journal called the Ringing World. Take a look at a copy in your belfry or borrow one from a friend.
There’s lots more information available on this website. Have a look around to find out more.
- Use the Explore link to see a full index of the site
- Visit the Learning Zone page for ringing tutorials
- Look at the Calendar of Events. What’s happening near you?
- Who are your Guild and Branch Officers?
- Other towers. How many bells do they have and when do they practice?
If you have been elected as a member you have probably already registered on our online membership system but, if not, you can do it here – membermojo.co.uk/sdgr
