Discover the ancient art of change bell ringing

Posted 1/5/23

Since the 1600s, the English have been ringing bells, some as big as the Liberty Bell. You are invited to an introduction to ringing.

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Discover the ancient art of change bell ringing

Posted

Since the 1600s, the English have been ringing bells, some as big as the Liberty Bell, pulling ropes to get them swinging full circle overhead and produce changing patterns of sound – and Americans have been doing this since our nation started. 

For years, ringers have enjoyed this art and noncompetitive team sport, as well as the camaraderie of other ringers, right here in Philadelphia.

If this unique activity interests you, and you are over 8 years old, you are invited to St. Martin-in-the Fields Church in Chestnut Hill, Willow Grove Avenue and St. Martins Lane, at 10:00 a.m. on Sat., Jan. 14, for an introduction to ringing. 

Meet the ringers, and listen as the ringing master explains what change ringing is and how it came to be. Following a brief introduction, you’ll be able to climb the bell tower, observe some ringing, and perhaps have your first pull on a bell rope. 

For those interested in joining our band of ringers, we hope to continue training on Saturday mornings from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. in January and February. The course is free. 

For more information on change ringing please see "Discover Change Ringing" on YouTube and phillyringers.com

To register for the event, or if you have questions, call or email Eileen Butler (thebutlers@aol.com; 267-902-7178) or Winston Moody (wmoodyw@aol.com; 215-848-5131)