Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many bells are there in Gamlingay Church?

A. There are eight bells, details are on the 'Our Bells' page.

 

Q. Are there any age restrictions to learning?

A. There is no specific age range. For young ringers it might depend on how tall they are but generally around 10 would be the minimum. For older ringers it might depend on how fit they are. Generally the older you are the more difficult it is to learn new motor skills.

Q. Are Safeguarding measures in place to protect young people and vulnerable adults?

A. Yes, the church has a comprehensive safeguarding system in accordance with National Church Guidelines. The ringing teachers have been DBS checked and receive safeguarding training.

 

Q. Do I have to attend church services to be a bell ringer?

A. No. Some ringers are members of the church congregation but many are not. You are not expected to attend.

 

Q. Do I have to ring on Sundays for church services?

A. As a member of the local ringing team you will be expected to attend weekly practices and ring on Sundays for services. Obviously there will be times when you can't make it. This is why we need more ringers than we have bells.

 

Q. Do I need to be strong?

A. Not particularly. The bell wheel gives you the leverage to ring the bell. Ringing is about skill, not strength.

 

Q. Is it dangerous?

A. All activities have a risk but generally speaking bell ringing is not dangerous. Trained teachers help you ring a bell safely.

 

Q. How long does it take to learn?

A. In the initial stages this depends on how intensive your training is. We would expect you to be able to handle a bell after about 10 hours, but this could be in half or one hour sessions, depending on how many are being trained at any one time.

 

Q. Does it cost anything?

A. If we are teaching you to become a member of our local team there is no charge.