IN THE SPOTLIGHT
A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES
St Peter's Tower Bell Ringers
In this edition, we highlight our
TOWER BELLS
A wonderful part of church, the sound of Sundays and special occasions in the life of our village.
We're looking at the history, the heritage, and the people behind the peals.
We hope you enjoy!
Volunteering and action, inspirational pastimes, faith, social fellowship & pastoral care
WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN SHEEP & COWS
St Peter's Tower
has 8 bells.
They range in weight from the lightest bell called the "Treble"
which weighs 4 cwts 0qrs 19lbs (212 kg) or
2 x sheep!
The heaviest Bell is the "Tenor" which weighs 12 cwts, 3qrs 13lbs (653 kg) or 2 x Jersey Cows.
Each Bell has its own distinct note which when rung together provides the "Sound of Burnham".
RING THE CHANGES
This illustration shows an example of the change ringing method
The 8 bells can ring in sequence
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (rounds)
but, after a while this would be quite limiting.
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The order of the bells can be changed individually by an instructor or ringing master
in what is called "call changes".
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Alternatively, the ringing team can change the sequence of bells in a pre-determined pattern known as change ringing (see left)
SHOWING YOU THE ROPES...
Bell ringing is an enjoyable and interesting pastime. No musical skills are required and ringers can begin this rewarding activity from ages between 10 and 80.
It takes around 3-6 months to be able to handle a bell, then the next several years to perfect call changing and change ringing.
Each bell within our tower has its own individual characteristics and no two towers are the same.
Ringing is carried out for 30 mins before each 10am Sunday service and special services such as Remembrance and Christmas.
In addition, bells are often requested for weddings, and are rung 30 mins before and 10 mins after the ceremony.
On occasions the tower is hired out to visiting bands who attempt a full peal which can comprise over 5000 changes and takes around 3 hours.
Our Towering Team
St Peter's Tower holds a training session each Tuesday from 7pm until 8 pm where ringers of all experience are encouraged to venture into their personal next stage of ringing.
Burnham is considered a starting tower with thanks to the skills of Emma Warburton, our tower captain,
Rob Taylor-Ailes, our assistant tower captain, and Cliff Blundell, our most experienced ringer
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We are now progressing well learning several methods.
We hope to ring a quarter peal in the coming months/year.
St Peter's Tower Bell Ringers
celebrate Ring for the King
A Pealing History
St Peter's tower is steeped in History.
We have several wooden boards which are dedicated to previous ringing bands who have completed full or quarter peals in the
Burnham tower (see image above)
The oldest board dates back to September 1897 and has a board next to it celebrating the same peal attempt - 100 years later!
It you feel like trying out something new and unique, bell ringing could be just the thing!
You'd be very welcome to come along and try it out - due to limited space up in the tower, try outs are by arrangement with the tower captain.
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Please contact Emma or Rob for more information
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Though not seen by the majority of the congregation, we believe that tower bells are a key part of our church service and our community.
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Long may they ring out across our village!
Thank you for reading this edition of 'In the Spotlight' - another exclusive behind the scenes look at St Peter's life coming soon...
Come & Have a Go!
VIEW from THE TOP
St Peter's tower also boasts a clock which keeps time on 3 sides of the tower. The hourly chime is given by striking the heaviest bell "tenor". This has to be disconnected before ringing commences.
On special occasions such as St Georges Day or St Peter's week, flags are flown. The tower also provides one of the best views of Burnham.
On a good day you can see Wembley Stadium, Heathrow Airport to the East, Bracknell to the South, Maidenhead to the West and Burnham Beeches to the North.
