Derby Cathedral Bell Ringers’ Open Day

For many years now the Derby Cathedral ringers have held tower open days with the aim of interesting the general public in the art of ringing and also in the hope of gaining a few recruits. Visitors have always been able to ascend the tower, read snippets about the bells, see bell ringing demonstrations, see the bells themselves and admire the splendid views from the top of the tower, which is the second highest west tower in the country. They have also been able to try their hand at ringing a few backstrokes – and this year they could even buy a CD with a video of themselves ringing to have as a souvenir.

In addition to all this the Ringing Master, John Heaton, had recently spent much time and effort in converting the room below the ringing chamber into a room for visitors to learn about ringing. There were computers for people to try their striking skills on; there was a lot of information about simple methods and a model bell which could be used to demonstrate what happens when a bell rings full circle. This gave visitors background information before they climbed more steps and went into the ringing chamber to see the ringers in action.

Another innovation this year was the spectacle of handbell ringing taking place outside the Cathedral tower. In the morning a peal of Plain Bob Major was rung and during the afternoon two quarter peals of Plain Bob Minor were rung. There were notices to discourage anyone from speaking to the ringers, stating that the ringers needed to concentrate very hard on what they were doing. Fortunately there were no disruptions and all the handbell ringing was successful. The weather could not have been kinder; there was warm sunshine all day with just a slight breeze. It was perfect both for sitting to ring handbells and for admiring the views for those who had made it to the top of the tower. And some of the visitors even showed an interest in learning to ring....

Pat Halls

Derby Diocesan AssociationDerby, DerbysOutside the entrance to Derby CathedralSaturday, 26 July 2008 in 2h19 (13)5056 Plain Bob MajorComposed by: C K Lewis1-2 Anthony P Cotton3-4 Christian M Peckham5-6 Patricia A M Halls7-8 Simon Humphrey (C)Part of the bellringers tower open day, to welcome Cameron James Edward Peckham, first son of Rachael & Christian, born 20th July 2008. First in public by all, rung outside the West entrance of the Cathedral.

Outside the entrance to Derby Cathedral26 July 20081320 Plain Bob Minor1-2 Sally Bramson3-4 Pat Halls 5-6 Alec Humphrey (C) Outside the entrance to Derby Cathedral26 July 20081260 Plain Bob Minor1-2 Sally Bramson3-4 Pat Halls 5-6 Alec Humphrey (C) Photo by Roger