We are very blessed to have a ring of 6 bells, here at the Oratory. There are only 26 Catholic rings of bells in the UK – 3 of which are Oratories!
Our bells are very light (3.5 cwt), so can be rung by anyone who is reasonably fit. Unlike those on the continent, our bells are rung in the “English Style” or “Change Ringing” – a unique 16th-century tradition where church bells are swung 360 degrees to create complex, mathematical, non-repeating patterns called “methods”. When you hear them ringing (they’re not electronic!) there are 6 highly-skilled and dedicated people on the end of each bell rope. As well as Ringing for Mass, we ring for weddings, funerals, and national occasions.
Want to know more? Come and meet the Team on a Monday evening from 6.30 – 8pm. There are about 12 of us ranging from ages 20 – 80. We have also taught youngsters from 10! We’ll show you what’s involved. It takes the average person around 6 weeks to learn how to handle a bell, followed by a lifetime of enjoyment to ring as a team. We are very sociable and always follow our practice with a drink.
The Oratory team – together with ringers from S Peter’s, and S John’s, Surrey Road – call ourselves the “Bournemouth Bells”. The Bournemouth Bells are the current holders of the “Hartless Shield” having come first in the local bell-ringing competition. We also have several outings a year including a picnic on Brownsea Island.
“It’s as good as a work-out, and cheaper than the gym”.
Kim Matthews, Oratory Tower Captain.