Ringing In The New
At the start of the run-up to Christmas, Bridget Rowan heads to Whalley to discover how they are ringing the changes at the town’s Grade l listed parish church
Most people in Britain live within sound of church bells. They are part of our heritage and history. Over the centuries they’ve called us to prayer, to arms, to celebrate and, in times of crisis, to come together. During the Second World War bells were silenced until the return of peace in 1945, and in 2023 they chimed to celebrate the coronation of Charles lll.
And, just in time for the festive season, Whalley’s historic St Mary’s and All Saints Church bells are ringing out with renewed vigour following a £50,000 refurbishment.
For the past four months the eight bells have hung in sombre silence as work went on around them in the Anglican church’s 15th century tower. But in October they rang out anew at Whalley Parish Church Bell Centenary event as ringers gave a celebratory quarter peal, followed by open ringing and service ringing, and a service of thanksgiving led by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Rev Philip North.
This is the church’s third set of bells. In the early 18th century four bells hung in the tower, but these were recast and the number increased to six in 1741. In 1924, these were also recast to create the current peal of eight bells. The treble bell, a war memorial, carries the inscription: ‘This bell is part of the parish church memorial to the men of Whalley who fell in the Great War 1914-1918’.
Although bells have been hung in churches for centuries – they are recorded as early as 680AD in Wearmouth and Whitby abbeys – change ringing developed only in the 16th century when bells were mounted on wheels, giving greater range and control. Change ringing became a fashionable aristocratic practice during the reign of James II, and proved equally popular in rural areas, where competitions involving plenty of food – and drink – attracted large audiences in the 19th century.
Whalley Bell Ringers practice on Tuesday evenings and regularly ring for Sunday services. They are part of the Ribble Valley Ringing Group, which also includes Bolton-by-Bowland, Clitheroe, Gisburn and Waddington. Other churches in the area have bells, too, including Downham and Great Mitton.
Whalley’s Tower Captain and Ringing Master Adrian West speaks with passion about bell ringing as he recalls one enthusiast who was still ringing regularly at the age of 91 and another who rang to mark Victory in Europe Day in 1945 and again in 2020 to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
“We’re always delighted to welcome new ringers,” says Adrian, who is planning a beginners’ course soon. “It’s open to anyone over the age of about 10. You don’t need to be musical or mathematical, you just need to be able to recognise patterns. We are often short of ringers but being part of the Ribble Valley group allows churches to help each other out and gives us a chance to ring at other churches.”
The bells remained in place as the Whalley refurbishment was carried out. The work included replacing rope pulleys, adding new bell mounting bolts, the refurbishment of the main wheels, new ceiling bosses for the bell ropes and lifting the bells to change the main bearings – a considerable task as the tenor bell weighs 21cwt. The ropes were also replaced and rerouted and the clappers removed and sent to Dorset where they were given a facelift by Nicholson Engineering Ltd. Under the watchful eye of Nicholson’s bell hanger, volunteers from Whalley Bell Ringers and other local towers, worked hard on the refurbishment over five weeks.
But perhaps of most immediate interest to nearby residents is the soundproofing. “We’ve had special electrically operated shutters made to cover the windows in the bell chamber,” said Adrian. “This should reduce the noise to the general level of traffic in the area and allow us to practice and run beginners courses without worrying too much about the neighbours. Of course, for services, weddings and big national or local events, it will be business as usual.”
Vicar of St Mary’s the Rev Jonathan Carmyllie said he was grateful for the help and support of local residents and organisations. “I give a heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed to making the appeal and refurbishment project such an outstanding success, both in terms of fund raising and in time and labour,” he said. “It is so encouraging to have received so much support, and an indication of just how much the bells of Whalley continue to be appreciated.”
Whalley Bell Ringers are always on the lookout for new members. If you are interested in taking up bell ringing, drop Adrian a line at: bellringers@whalleypc.org.uk
