village bell

From this site, the rich vibrant tone of this bell could be heard throughout the village

For over fifty years, beginning in 1890, the village bell announced the out break of fire. When the First Pickering Fire Company of volunteer firemen was formed in 1889, money was collected from the villagers by subscription to ensure fire protection.
A 200lb bell was ordered but was returned for a 500lb bell when concerns were raised that it might not be heard everywhere. Whenever fire was discovered in the village, the first person to reach the fire hall would ring the bell to call volunteers.
The bell also rang four times a day at 7, 12, 1 and 6 by a paid bell ringer to announce the beginning of the work day, lunch time, end of lunch hour and end of work day. On Sundays the bell called villagers to worship at various churches. On V.E. day, the bell rang continuously to announce the end of the war.

for Tuesday's Treasures

the bells, the bells ring out

When I was young, there was a church in our neighbourhood that rang the bells (automated) every Sunday. At some point a few years ago, on a visit home, something reminded us of this church and my mother told me that they didn't have the bells anymore as the neighbours complained. Huh?? Complaining? About church bells once a week for about 2 minutes? Probably the same people who complain that 'those annoying birds are singing again and I haven't had my cup of coffee yet. I want them stopped'.

My first day with EM we went into town and saw the church where her son would be married. It was a very old church with a lychgate and ancient, toppling gravestones surrounding three sides in the yard. While we were looking inside, suddenly the bells started ringing - a practice. I had no idea that this was to be a part of the service and was tremendously excited when I realized there were live bellringers up in the tower pulling the cords. That such a tradition still lives on (a 400 year old English one, I've learned) intrigues me no end. Indeed, the bellringers do tours, talks and lessons. There are tutorials and opportunities to learn bell ringing and competitions and visits to other church towers to ring their bells.

Bellringing looks so very complicated, but apparently you do not need strength, as I at first thought, instead you learn control. And I think if I were to be living in England, this would be an undertaking I might enjoy.