Bellringing at Nutfield
Can I Just Have a Look?
By all means! Just come along any Tuesday evening between 8.00 and 9.30. You can just sit and watch. If you fancy it you can pull a few handstrokes and backstrokes, with an experienced ringer holding the other end of the rope for safety.
Must I be a Church Member?
No, but obviously you must respect other people's beliefs, and the church building itself.
Must I Be Young, Fit and Strong?
The younger you are, the quicker you'll learn. But we have ringers over 70. As for fitness, if you can raise your arms at full stretch over your head, and if you have no creaks in your shoulder and elbow joints, you'll be OK.
How Much Time Must I Put In?
We meet every Tuesday, for practice night from 8 till 9.30. Afterwards some of us go to the Queen's Head for a drink, but that's not obligatory! You can, if you wish, visit other local towers on other evenings - Bletchingley on Mondays, Merstham on Wednesdays, Redhill on Thursdays, etc. The more often you ring, the quicker you'll learn, but it's up to you how much you ring. Once you can ring reasonable rounds, we'd like to have you for Sunday morning service ringing - 10.30 to 11.00am.
How Much Does It Cost?
We usually put a pound into the collecting box each practice night. It goes to pay for new bell ropes, and general tower maintenance. Most of us belong to the Surrey Association of Church Bellringers for a minimal fee.
Who's the Boss?
Vicky is our Tower Captain and Secretary. She will tell you anything you want to know.
A Hidden Benefit.
Bellringers are a fraternity. Once you can ring, you will be welcomed at any tower in the country on their practice night. (The details of who rings on which day and at what time is printed in a little book known as 'Doves'). You can also ring in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.