St John the Baptist

St Bartholomew’s

The ringing of the bells is part of the church’s place in and witness to our community. It is a message of worship, vitality, and hope. It aims to honour God as Creator and giver of materials, musical sound and human skill, through physical and mental activity, commitment and teamwork. It has rules, sounds and rhythms entirely its own, where people of all ages and backgrounds meet on equal terms, and which remind us that God is beyond anything words can express.

Meet our bells, and bell-ringers !

 

Bell-ringing is a uniquely English contribution to the life and message of the church over several centuries.  It has long been a feature of Kirkheaton Parish Church, and that continues vigorously today.

 

 

 

A Sunday morning team (the 8^th ringer was the photographer, not Toseef’s dog Ellie !)

Richard Senior’s 50-year record of being responsible for the bell-ringing at Kirkheaton was celebrated at a morning service in January 2006.

The original 6 bells, dating from 1818, were replaced in 1987-8 by a new peal of 8.  The work was carried out by a small local team led by the Tower Captain, Richard Senior, in conjunction with the bellfounders, Taylors of Loughborough.  The old bells are now in use in St. Clement’s Church, Sandwich, Kent.

 

The bells are rung for all the main Sunday services, and for many weddings and other special occasions.

 

 

Times of ringing:  Sundays, 9.45-10.30 am, and 5.30-6.30 pm.

Weekly practice, Tuesdays, 7.30-9 pm.

We would very much welcome some additional members to our small team of ringers.  Anyone aged from about 10 upwards can learn to ring, but it does take staying power, especially in the early stages.  The basic technique of handling a bell can usually be acquired in a few months.  Beyond that stage, the learning becomes much more enjoyable and never stops. Being a bell-ringer requires practically no expense or special equipment, is an all-year-round activity, and for a church member makes only a modest demand on time.  Contact Richard Senior (01484 325127), Toseef Ahmad (313933) or Bill Weston (453591) if you would like to know more.  Also, there are many “bell-ringing” websites, some of which are very informative.

 

If you have a feel for something a bit different from the run of the mill, and a refreshing change from anything else you do – as church activity, a social/leisure interest, or physical and mental workout, and especially in how these all combine together –  then you could really enjoy bell-ringing.