A team of enthusiasts is offering the chance to learn bell ringing for the Queen – in time for her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
Tower captain at St Nicholas Church, Hurst, Graham Slade of Woodley said: “Our [ringing] band is currently light on numbers.
“It would be fantastic to have all eight bells being rung by local ringers on the weekend of the Jubilee when there are celebrations in Hurst. There’s time for complete newcomers to learn.
“The basic manual skills to learn to ring a bell will be mastered in a few hours, but the refinement of the skills can continue for a lifetime.
“You need to be in the age range 11 to 70. There is very limited need for strength, so most normally fit people will be able to manage to ring quite happily.
“A sense of rhythm and timing is useful but musical ability is absolutely not required and we do not read music.”
The Hurst band practices on Monday evenings. The adult ringers usually finish with a trip over the road to The Castle Inn.
“We’re looking for people from Hurst and surrounding area. You don’t have to attend church to be a useful member of the band but a willingness to ring on at least some Sunday mornings would be desirable,” added Graham.
Church bells have been used for centuries to celebrate weddings, coronations and jubilees in England – and to call people to services.
In recent years the 400 year old bells of St Nicholas have rung out to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War armistice with four new ringers taking part, the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, the passing of HRH Prince Phillip, and many weddings.
To find out more contact Graham on 07762 922172.
