St Michael’s Bell Ringers

About the Band

The ancient parish church of Basingstoke, Hampshire boasts a fine ring of 8 bells, the oldest of which has rung out over Basingstoke for over 450 years. We are fortunate to have a thriving band of ringers of all abilities, from those who are learners to the more experienced. At our practices on Wednesday nights, ringing ranges from simple rounds to surprise major methods. We also enjoy regular ringing tours and social events. You can link to the Church website from the Quick Links below.

When we Ring

Please check our Calendar before you visit

Services

• Every Sunday from 8.45am until 9.30am • At least one Sunday a month there is a Family Service and we usually try for a quarter peal after this service - However, there is no service ringing as such beforehand - please check our Calendar • All additional church celebratory services throughout the year • All civil services throughout the year

Practices

• If we have learners there may well be a learner’s silent simulator based practice from 7.00pm to 7.45pm prior to our Ringing Practice - please check our Calendar • Full, normal, open Ringing Practice from 7.45pm until 9.15pm • Most Tuesday’s there is a silent simulator based practice from 2.00m to 3.30pm

Learning to Ring

If you are tempted to learn the art of ringing church bells we are always on the lookout for new members. We have two capable and experienced tutors who have taught many people to ring over the years. Initial rope and bell handling sessions are taught in separate sessions where learners practice on silenced bells. Once the learner is safe, competent and confident they are invited to join in with the main practice. These initial rope and bell handling sessions are arranged at times agreed between the tutors and learners. Have look at our Learn to Ring page. Please contact us via this Contact Us page or simply come along on a Wednesday. Entry is via the smallish door at the base of the tower. You will be very welcome. See also the ‘Learn to Ring’ Page on this website.

Visiting Ringers

If you are already a ringer then you are welcome to join us any time and, if you are a group of 5 or less, no prior arrangement is necessary. If you wish to arrange to come to St Michael's as part of a group or tour, or to book the bells to ring either a quarter or a peal then please contact us via the Contact Us page and we will get back to you just as soon as possible.