Bell Ringers

Bettisfield has a small but enthusiastic circle of ringers which was formed in 2000 when the church tower was repaired and the bells refurbished and re-hung by Taylors of Loughborough.  Our Tower Captain is Jeremy Bartley and the team practice on Friday mornings, ringing at church services, weddings and other celebrations.  If you would like to have a go at ringing do come along to one of our practice sessions on Friday mornings from 9.00 – 10.00 or contact Jeremy on 01948 710323.

 

Bettisfield Bell Ringers, Phil, Frank, Peter, Jeremy, Mike, Kevin and John.

Bettisfield Bell Ringers, Phil, Frank, Peter, Jeremy, Mike, Kevin and John.

 

The Bettisfield Bells were cast by the foundry of John Taylor in Loughborough in 1874 and were recast by the same foundry in 1999 in time for the church to celebrate the millennium.

On a recent visit to Mornamdy we visited the foundry at Villedieu Les Poelles (God’s City of the Fryinpans) where there is a bell foundry.  The pictures below were taken there.

Cast bells waiting to be tuned.

Cast bells waiting to be tuned.

Bell mould awaiting casting

Bell mould awaiting casting

Large bells require heavy lifting gear.

Large bells require heavy lifting gear.

Mould next to casting pit

Mould next to casting pit

Bell moulds waiting to be cast.

Bell moulds waiting to be cast.

A furnace

A furnace

A carillion of bells, typical of many European churches

A carillion of bells, typical of many European churches

One of the Notre Dame bells

One of the Notre Dame bells