Ringers and Ringing
The bells were all cast by John Warner & Sons of Cripplegate, London.
The present 6 and 7 were cast in 1879; 2, 3 and 4 in 1883; and the treble, 5 and tenor in 1888. We only know the weight of the tenor (8¼ cwt).
There were originally three bells provided in 1879, three more being added in 1883 to make a ring of six. When a new treble and tenor were added in 1888, it was necessary to recast one of the 1879 bells (the present 5th) in order to make a proper octave.
The first peal on the bells was on 15 January 1888, as recorded on the board in the tower, and was the only peal rung while they were a ring on six. The first peal on the eight bells was Oxford Bob Triples on 12 November 1888. There have been over 140 peals rung on the bells altogether, not including a false one of Plain Bob Major on 7 February 1889.
The church now has eight bells, ranging in weight from the treble at about 3 cwt to the tenor at 8¼ cwt.
The earliest records of Christ Church Ringers are dated 3 February 1936 when there was a meeting of the newly-formed Christ Church Guild of Change Ringers, who continued until 4 March 1940. The Guild reformed on 15 June 1952.
We have a weekly practice on Tuesdays at 6:45pm, and organise extra practices if and when needed. We ring every Sunday morning at 10:00am for the 10:30 service, and most Sunday evenings when we arrange a quarter peal to coincide with the service at Christ Church or St Philip’s.
Not only do we ring but we also have fish & chip suppers on the beach or in the hall after ringing, and join in events organised by the County Association.
In you would like to come along and learn to ring or are already a ringer please contact us. We welcome anyone who is interested in bell ringing.
The Bells at Christ Church
| 1 | A flat | 1888 | John Warner & Sons | ||
| 2 | G | 1883 | John Warner & Sons | ||
| 3 | F | 1883 | John Warner & Sons | ||
| 4 | E flat | 1883 | John Warner & Sons | ||
| 5 | D flat | 1888 | John Warner & Sons | ||
| 6 | C | 1879 | John Warner & Sons | ||
| 7 | B flat | 1879 | John Warner & Sons | ||
| 8 | 8¼cwt | A flat | 36.83" | 1888 | John Warner & Sons |
