In 2018, we applied for community project funding from Aviva and Tesco's Bags of Help fund and were fortunate enough to receive awards from both. With this money, we have now implemented the first stage in the development of our bell-ringing school.

We have had an analogue CCTV camera installed in the belfry which enables those in the ringing room to see the bells working in real time. This is particularly useful for beginners, as it enables them to understand the movement of the bell and how their handling of the rope will affect it. For example, a particularly tricky skill to master is the ability to stand a bell at backstroke, which involves the ringer reaching up to the furthest extent, with the hands on the very end of the rope, and allowing the bell to 'float' gently onto the balance. Being able to see the bell rising up to the balance whilst this is happening and therefore time the setting of the bell with precision can make the whole skill much easier to master.

We have also bought a wide-screen TV on a swivelling bracket and connected it to a laptop with bell-ringing simulation software called Abel installed. The software allows learners to practise method ringing together with a band of digital ringers. Ringing with any number of bells up to 22 in total can be undertaken, the speed can be adjusted and all levels of difficulty can be catered for. Coloured indicators show whether the learner is early, late or spot on with their striking. The settings can also give visualisations of actual ringers, so you can get a real feel for what it is like to ring with a full group. Ropesight (i.e. the ability to time your ringing in relation to the position of the other ringers' ropes) can be improved rapidly through the ability to see these visualisations through the simulator software and, given that the simulated ringers will always be perfect in their timing, learners can be sure that methods will always hold together and they just have to keep their place within it.

With the bells tied, the sounds of the bells are simulated via sensors and the sound therefore does not travel outside the church. The learner(s) can therefore practise for as long as they wish without disturbing anyone outside. There is even a Bluetooth headset which enables the ringer to practise in total privacy, leaving the rest of the ringing room in silence.

As of 2023, we now also have our two new training bells in place and ready to use. They were installed by Neil Thomas and Julian Ferrar on behalf of Matthew Higby and Co. Ltd Church Bell Engineers and will enhance our ability to teach beginners the initial stages of handling a bell. (The sallies on the ropes are designed with three separate bands of colour, making it easier for the learner to work out where to catch it.)

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We also plan to add sensors to the training bells, which will enable us to practise ten-bell methods via our Abel simulator when all of the other bells are tied.

Anybody wishing to experience ringing on our simulator, whether a total beginner or a more advanced ringer, is welcome to get in touch and we will be delighted to organise a demonstration and/or practice session.

Our simulator is available to book any day of the week, for as long as you want, between 9am and 8pm, in theory. Sunday services and other church activities may prevent certain times from being possible, but just get in touch with suggestions and we will try to fit you in at a mutually convenient time.

You can book in for individual practice, where you ring the tied Treble to practise any method alongside virtual ringers...

...or you can come as a group and ring together with up to all eight of the bells tied...

​In this way, you can ring on real bells without being heard outside the church - ideal for ringers trying to challenge themselves with methods that push them beyond their comfort zone. (If it keeps firing out, at least you know you're disturbing nobody!) We have recorded the sound of our own bells, so the amplified sound within the ringing room is pretty authentic. Tied-bell quarter peals are also possible, of course - it's up to you how you use the set-up!

Martin and/or Ashley can be available to offer any help and guidance, and if you want any extra ringers to help make up a band, we can try to get that organised too.

There is no charge to use the simulator, but donations to the bell fund are, of course, greatly appreciated. Last but not least, we can open up the Village Hall bar if you want a quick drink before you head back home. What could possibly be a better incentive?!

To make an initial inquiry or book in, please email

[email protected]

or use our Contact form

​We look forward to hearing from you!

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