THE BELLRINGERS OF ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH, HEIGHINGTON
Chris Enzor has been ringing bells for 53 years. His wife Anthea, who is also Tower [Bell] Captain, a mere 47 years. Chris told me, “Here at St. Michael’s the 6 bells have been ringing out across the centuries, both good news and, yes, bad news too, for the residents of Heighington and beyond. Even wartime was catered for when the toll of a bell was a warning, so, to resolve the problem and to allow practice to go ahead, the bell tower was fitted with 6 tiny bells which still hang on the walls, one for each of their bigger cousins and known as a Seage’s apparatus. These were used to make much less of a sound when rung.” Inventive or what? Ask to see them. Anthea would be happy to give anyone the tour.
The inventiveness continues, so, for all you techies, read on. With the aid of a grant from the Durham & Newcastle Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers, a simulator was purchased which, with a computer, allows all six bells to be rung without a sound, which is good for training. The clappers must be silenced first by tying them to the side of the bells. But it does not end there. A learner can ring one bell and the computer puts in the sound of the other five without them being rung at all. So very clever and means that practice can be done with just a teacher and the computer, saving frustration for the learner and precious time for the ringers. Contact Anthea for further details and to see the simulator in action at Holy Trinity, Darlington.
Anthea informs me, “Almost anyone can learn to ring. You do not have to be a good musician, good at maths, or very strong. It is within the capabilities of most people. Ringers come from all walks of life and all you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to commit time to your new hobby. And, of course, the bells have a history all of their own, but that is another story for another day.”
Presently, at Heighington, there are 5 or 6 beginners coming along at 7pm on Wednesday’s, with about the same number to support them. The session continues until 9pm for the 11 regular ringers, who then adjourn to the pub (sounds good). Practice also happens on the 2nd and 4th Monday’s 10.30am until 12 noon.
Do you fancy learning the ropes? (Definitely a pun intended) Anthea would be delighted to hear from you.
Email: heighingtonbells@gmail.com
Photo: The bellringers in action.