MARTON NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 109, 10 May 1945, Page 2

MARTON NOTES

BELtRINGING “The interesting art of change ringing is practised all over England, and takes many years to gain proficiency,” stated Mr. Bert Roberts, of Now Plymouth, v, ho was the speaker at ton Rotary on Munday,

“It is not generally known in New Zealand the nimbers of changes that can be rung on 6,7 or 8 bells,” he said. The following table will give some idea: Number of bells, 6 bells, minor number of changes 720: time allowance 30 minutes; 7 bells, 5,040 changes, three hours; 8 bells major, 40,320 changes, «ne day 4 hours. “A complete peal is the most number of changes that can be rung on a given number of bells. The most popular peals in England are rung on eight bells with seven bells changing which is called triples or the odd bell method. The whole of the first seven hells change while the tenor rings behind and does not change ana a complete peal of 5,040 changes arc rung and the average lime it takes is 2 hours 50 minutes, “Of course there are many peals never completed but end in a breakdown on account of a general mix-up. “It must be remembered that, the whole of the method of ringing is done without written notes or numbers of any kind while being rung. The particular methods are well learnt and memorised with certain hints that are of a considerable help. When ringing hardly a word is spoken except by the conductor, who at a certain part ends calls out a boh or single which alters the course of bells to be able to ring a peal without a repetition of a single change. “The following motto is often found in a bell-tower: ‘Keep eyes and ears about you, but hold your tongue.’ “Change ringing *was introduced 300 years ago, and one of the most beautiful methods on seven hells was invented bv Mr. Fabin Steadman in the year 1640. The largest ringing belt in the world Was at Exeter Cathedral, 72icwt. There are larger bel’s, hut they are not ru-ng. only chimed. The great bell at Westminister. 13tons lOcwt, 3qr, 151bs. is the largest boll ever cast in London.

Rotarian Alex Gracia expressed th* pleasure of the Rotarians to Mr. Roberts for his most interesting talk.