Ringer shortage threatens bells

Becoming a proficient bell-ringer takes training and dedication

The ancient tradition of bell ringing could be in danger of disappearing in Devon because of a growing shortage of trained bell-ringers.

The Guild of Devonshire Ringers said many church towers in the county are already silent and it has launched a recruitment and training campaign.

It estimates about 1,000 new ringers will need to be trained to keep the county's bells pealing.

A recent survey uncovered 3,000 bells in 500 Devon churches.

Mike Hatchett from the Troyte Ringing Centre, based in the villages of Bampton and Huntsham, said it would very sad if the tradition was not upheld.

If we fail there will be many, many silent towers Mike Hatchett, Troyte Ringing Centre

He told BBC News: "Most people who live in villages love the sound of church bells - even if one or two describe it as a racket.

"But the next 10 years will be a critical period. We need to prepare a training and recruitment programme because if we fail there will be many, many silent towers."

Mr Hatchett said the group would ideally prefer to recruit young people, but experience has shown they do not always have the commitment needed to complete the training.

Members of the Troyte group travel round the county, occasionally acting as guest ringers at churches which no longer have their own.

In June, the group was awarded the Founders' Prize in recognition of its contribution to the teaching of bell ringing and Mr Hatchett is hopeful its work will continue.

"Bell ringing is a great hobby, a great form of exercise and it performs a public service as well", he said.