Ringers remember and mark the centenary of the end of the First World War

Each year, on Remembrance Sunday, the ringers at St Mary’s church have marked the occasion by ringing before the morning service with the bells half muffled in memory of those who died in the First World War and the many conflicts since. This special type of ringing involves tying a leather pad, called a muffle, to one side of each clapper. When it is rung, a bell swings through a full circle then back again. The bell sounds alternately loud and quiet, an effect sometimes referred to as ‘echoes from the dead’.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and there is a national drive to have all bells rung at 12.30 on Sunday 11/11 to mark the occasion. Therefore, as well as ringing half muffled before the morning service (see above), six members of the local band and four regular visitors will be attempting a half muffled full peal of Grandsire Caters. This attempt will start, as requested, at 12.30 and, if successful, will take about 3 hours to complete.