The Bells

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There were originally six bells, cast by Thomas Mears & Son, dating from 1806.

Two new trebles were added in 1974.  A major restoration was carried out during 2002-3 augmenting the ring to ten.  The eight bells were taken down, the tower strengthened

with concrete ring beams, and the augmented ring re-tuned, installed with a new frame and completely new fittings.  The tenor (heaviest) bell weighs just over 11cwt (576kg),

and sounds F#.  The four newer bells were again cast by the Whitechapel foundry.

 

We have a ringing simulator installed.  This allows us to practice silently as the bell clappers are tied so that they cannot be heard outside, but instead a computer generates the sound in the ringing chamber.
 

 

The following details relate to pre-coronavirus arrangements.
For the current situation, please contact Roger Powell or Stephen Wooler (see below).

 

Ringing Times

 

Practice night Fridays 7.45pm to 9.30pm.
Sundays, 8.45 to 9.15 am and 5.15 to 6.00 pm.
(except the last Sunday of the month when we usually organise a quarter peal).

 

For more details please contact our Tower Correspondent Stephen Wooler on 01296 661263 or or e-mail to  sandjwooler@btinternet.com.

 

Other Ringing

 

We do have quite a number of visiting bands for outings, quarters and peals. Anyone wishing to ring at St. Michael’s should contact the Tower Correspondent Stephen Wooler (details above). 

St. Michael’s is part of the Chiltern Branch of the Oxford Diocesan Guild.  
For details of ringing in the locality, see http://chiltern.odg.org.uk/towers/.

 

Learning to Ring

 

Bellringing is a fascinating practice requiring physical and mental co-ordination with a sense of rhythm.  It is a very sociable activity for young and old.  
To find out more, visit www.cccbr.org.uk.

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If you would like to think about learning to ring then contact Roger Powell (Tower Captain) on 01296 415532,  e-mail  roger.powell@willowend.net or just turn up any Friday night and you can try a bell out!

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