SCR

Give it a Try!

Ok, the fact that you're looking at this page probably means you have some interest in learning to ring. So, to try and encourage you I'll give you a couple of bullet points why you should pursue it further and become a bell ringer.

• It's cheap!
There is only minimal outlay involved in bell ringing, and most of this can be recouped by ringing for weddings and other special occasions that we get paid for.

• It's for any age!
Well, virtually any age. People start to ring at all ages, from about 8 up to 80 and so it is open to everyone. There is a small amount of physical exertion, but not too much. We are willing to teach anyone who's willing to come along to a practice, and eventually join us on Sunday mornings.

• It's social!
Bell ringing is very much a hobby as well as a service we provide to the church, so we try and make it as much fun as possible. We regularly have social events through out the year, including picnics, ten pin bowling, barbeques, meals out, etc. There is virtually always a trip to the pub after ringing for those who are old enough!

• It can be mentally challenging!
But it doesn't have to be! There are lots of different levels of ringers around Southampton, so everyone at any level of development will be catered for at practices and on Sunday mornings. No matter what stage you're at in ringing, just starting off or advanced you'll always be made to feel wanted and appreciated.

• You get to play one of the loudest instruments around!
You get the chance to make a really load noise outside! This really appeals to some people, that's why it's included.

• You can do it virtually anywhere in the country!
There are loads of churches in the country with bells. Nearly every town or sizeable village will have at least one church with a set of bells in it. As a bell ringer, you can normally turn up where you know there will be a practice and be made welcome. This is not just confined to the UK, there are rings of bells in Australia, Canada, America and New Zealand, plus probably others that I don't know about!

• It counts towards D.O.E.!
If you're doing your Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme, bell ringing counts as both a service and a skill. Why not kill two birds with one stone!

If you've made it this far down the list, then I think you've got the enthusiasm to take up Bell Ringing!

So what are the first steps?

1. Fill in the form on the contacts page so that we know who you are. We will then contact you and tell you where and when to come along for your first go!
2. Have a look at the ringing basics page to give you an idea of what you'll be doing when you come along for a go
3. Come along for your first taste of bell ringing!

It's that simple!

A quick note for parents of any children who want to learn to ring: We totally understand that you will be worried about leaving your child alone with strangers. The churches we use have child protection policies, as do the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers to whom we are affiliated. We have CRB checked instructors, and always try to ensure that your child will never be left alone with one adult. We are, of course more than happy to have you stay with your child during the practice. If your child is under 16 years of age, please download and fill in this permission to ring form and bring it with you to the practice.