St Mary's Church, Andover, holding bell ringing event

Well, if you have, you are in luck, as St Mary's Church in Andover is hosting an event aiming to demonstrate the ancient art of bell ringing.

The event will take place on Sunday, September 8, between 12pm and 3pm, offering people the chance to come and have a go at bell ringing.  

The Mobile Belfries Trust's Charmborough Ring, which comprises six bells rung in the same way as those in churches and cathedrals throughout the country, will be in the memorial garden outside the church.

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Mobile belfry at the Cambridge University Fresher's Fair (Image: St Mary's Church)

Marina Colville, operations director for St Mary's Church, said: "The aim of the event is to demonstrate the ancient art of bell ringing to the public, using the specially designed Charmborough Mini Ring, a mobile belfry used to demonstrate and teach bell ringing to the public without the need to climb up into the tower.

"We hope to show people what ringing is all about and interest them in giving it a go."

Marina explained that the event will be an opportunity to build friendships and learn new skills.

She said: "People enjoy bell ringing because they make new friends, learn new skills and play a part in the long-standing heritage of their community.

"Did you know church bells are one of the largest instruments in the world and are not just rung on Sundays but also for nationally important occasions such as coronations and anniversaries of peace?

"Bell ringing can give you a new perspective on the world and not only the great view from the top of the tower at St Mary's.

"Bell ringers travel to other churches to ring bells, some even venturing abroad. There's even a 'World Youth Striking Competition'.

"Everyone is welcome to come and join us, to have a go at bell-ringing and to see if there's a whole new world waiting for you on your doorstep."