GALLERY: Hundreds discover bell ringing at Ely church’s open day
Bell Ringers appeal for new recruits at St Mary's Church open day, Ely District ringers and Dodge the dog round off the day on the mini-ring. - Credit: Archant
ABOUT 200 people of all ages attended a Bell Ringing open day at St Mary’s Church, Ely, on Saturday.
Bell Ringers appeal for new recruits at St Mary's Church open day, Ely. Paul and Mary Windels. - Credit: Archant
Children were shown how to ring on the ‘mini belfry’ and a larger demonstration bell was erected for the occasion outside the church.
Bell Ringers appeal for new recruits at St Mary's Church open day, Ely. Left: John Mitchell, William Allen. - Credit: Archant
Experienced teachers from the Ely District gave ringing demonstrations in St Mary’s tower and helped many visitors take their first steps in learning to ring a bell.
Philip Bailey, education officer of the Ely Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers, the event’s organisers, said: “It has been really rewarding to see so many people showing an interest in bell ringing here today.
“As well as the many children wanting to find out about bells we’ve had adults in their twenties, thirties and beyond, plus a lady who hadn’t rung for over forty years but might take it up again.
“We even had a ringer and his young son from Brewster, New York, drop in whilst sight-seeing in Ely.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about bell ringing and where they can ring should go to www.elyda.org.uk or contact Philip Bailey on 07968 788425.
