A TEAM of bellringers are all set to show people the ropes as they take part in this year’s Heritage Open Days celebrations.
The bellringers of St Leonard’s Church in Beoley will be giving people the chance to visit the bell tower and see the bells on Saturday, September 9 between 2pm and 3pm.
Visitors can view displays, ask questions and find out how they can get involved in the ancient art of campanology.
The tradition of change ringing is a unique form of music which has its roots in England. Instead of ‘tunes’, the bells ring in orderly sequences that the ringers learn as patterns, and then ring from memory.
Ringers control the bell with a rope, while the bell turns full circle, mounted on a wheel.
Famous people who are reported to have rung bells include comedians Victoria Wood, Jo Brand and Timmy Mallett, gardener Alan Titchmarsh and entertainer and writer Frank Muir.
Visitors to the bell tower at St Leonard’s are warned it involves climbing a spiral stone staircase with 50 narrow steps.
Heritage Open Days operates as part of the National Trust with funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Every single Heritage Open Days event is free, including access to many sites that usually charge for admission.
For details and opening times, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.
