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Bell ringing (Campanology). "Change Ringing" which is the most popular form of bell ringing, is th art of ringing a set of tuned bells in a series of mathematical patterns called "changes". This may be acheived by either hand or tower bells.

Location
There are over 5,000 rings of five or more bells hung for change ringing in the UK, so there is almost certainly a tower near you.

Age
Bellringing is a great way of making new friends and meeting people. All sorts of people are bellringers, whether they go to church or not. Anyone aged from about 10 can learn to ring. It is also a great way of getting to see new places.

Ability
Initial teaching takes place on a one to one basis and most beginners will be ready to ring with a group in a few weeks or months. The basic skill lies in being able to control a bell that rotates full circle using a rope attached to its wheel.

Description
It is practised mainly in the UK, but also in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa too. Ringing the Changes or change ringing involves ringing bells rhythmically in sequence. The bells start by ringing down the scale, this is known as ringing rounds. Bellringers learn sequences of changes called methods such as Grandsire Triples, Plain Bob Major and Stedman Cinques. Change ringing has a great history and really started to develop in the early 17th century.

Dedication
Bellringing is great fun. It does not require you to be particularly strong or mathematically-minded to ring but a good sense of rhythm does helps though. Bellringing can be physically and mentally challenging, but it doesn't matter how long it takes you to learn, even as a beginner you can become a valuable member of the bellringing team. There are about 40,000 bellringers in the UK.

Potential
A rewarding hobby which involves being part of a team, provides a service for the church, and also a good social life. Continually learning something new, once you have learned the basics you will be made welcome when visiting other towers.

Further Reading
The Ringing World - the official journal of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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