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Several people had a go at bellringing as part of the activities
for Litcham's 2005 summer fair. As those who came along discovered, there is a
lot more to ringing church bells than most of us imagine, but
on the other hand this is a hobby that does not depend on physical
strength, which means that young and old alike can take part.
The photos show a beginner under instruction at Litcham church
tower.
Ringing bells "by rope and wheel" is almost exclusively
confined to the British Isles, and has existed in the same form
since the early 1600's. The term "ringing" refers to
a bell that is rung full-circle, all other methods of ringing
a bell being known as chiming.
Bellringing has taken place in Litcham since around 1670, when
Matthew Halcott paid for the present church tower to be built.
Matthew Halcott's name is inscribed on one of the bells, as is
that of Thomas Feltwell, one-time innkeeper of the Bull Inn.
Over the years ringers have carved their names in the church tower,
and these can be seen clearly today, one of the earliest being
T Slapp from 1734.
Today many thousands of people enjoy bellringing as a hobby, with
the added satisfaction that they can also provide a service for
others, for example by ringing for weddings and other church services.
Anyone who wasn't able to attend during the summer fair, but would
be interested in the possibility of learning, is welcome to come
along for a bellringing "taster" session (without obligation!).
If this is you then please contact Tim Angell on 01328 700045.