By Debbie Evans, Tower Captain
We have 8 bells in our belfry, all at least 200 years old.
The “Tenor” is the largest at 13.5 cwt which is 686kgs.
As well as us ringing the bells, they are attached to our Victorian clock to chime the quarters.
There is a stone, spiral staircase connecting the ringing room, clock room and belfry and the view from the top of the tower is stunning, but due to its low wall we are no longer able to go out onto the parapet. Although I’m not sure I’d want to venture out and face the Seagulls or strong Seaford winds.
Back in the ringing room we have 8 ropes coming down through the ceiling from the belfry and this is where we ring from.
Ringing is a very British tradition and can take a long time to master, so it takes a very dedicated team to teach any new ringers.
Once the basics have been learned you could potentially ring at any tower but all are very different.
Anyone who can climb the stairs could learn to ring but it can be very physical to start with and we will teach anyone from 12 years and upwards and our oldest is over 80 (no names).
As well as being a physical hobby it is also mentally challenging because when you become capable of bell handling you then progress to “method ringing” which is on a new level and you never stop learning.
Aside from ringing we have a good social side to the group which includes pub visits after practice, meals out and days out to ring at other towers.
We practice on a Tuesday evening from 7 to 9pm and ring for Sunday service at 8:45am.
We also ring for weddings, funerals and other religious celebrations. Events like Remembrance Sunday are usually rung half muffled to add gravity to the occasion.
We are happy to give people a look around the tower and a try out if you are interested in joining us but this must be agreed with the Tower captain beforehand and would usually take place on the monthly Saturday open church events.
If you feel you might like to find out more, please text me on 07944 586 442 and start your message Bells then I will get back to you.
Celebrating Seaford 