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The Church of England - Diocese of Chichester

St Nicholas' Church, Arundel
The Bell Tower and Ringers


The Church of St Nicholas', Arundel, with it's stong square tower, was rebuilt in 1380 from an earlier church on the site. Our ring is of eight bells, with the tenor 13cwt - 3qr - 4lb (1544lb or 700kg) in E.
Arundel and Lyminster ringers at practice at Arundel
More details about Arundel's bells can be found on Dove's Guide for Church Bell ringers

A faithful band climbs the sixty steps to the ringing chamber every Sunday to ring for the morning service, and at other times for weddings (and sometimes for funerals), on Remembrance Day, to ring in the New Year and to mark special occasions, such as when the Olympic Torch relay came through Arundel in July 2012.



Learning to ring
St Nicholas' Church, Arundel
English bell-ringing is a very old custom. It does not require great strength but it does require learned skills, a good sense of rhythm and regular practice. Learners are taught the first steps individually by very experienced ringers. Then, once they have mastered the control of the bell, they join in with the rest of the band to learn the timing necessary for good steady ringing.

Bell ringers range in age from young to old and come from all walks of life. Some are churchgoers; some are not. Some learn quickly; some take longer. Some may heave learned several years ago and given it up: a refresher course is all that is needed..... Bell ringing helps with physical and mental fitness, provides a group of friends working towards something positive, and it is fun.

Practices
Arundel's ringers have in the last year joined with the ringers from nearby Lyminster Church for Monday evening practices which are held in each place on alternate weeks. Learners arrive at 7.00 pm and the main practice begins at 7.30 pm. There is a great co-operation between the towers, with the ringers helping each other out when one tower is short of ringers for services, weddings or other special occasions. Visitors to our practices are most welcome - please contact one of the tower captains (below) to find out where the practice will be.

Contact us
Do come to visit either tower to watch a practice, meet the ringers and perhaps have a go at ringing- but please phone first as occasionally a practice needs to be cancelled.

Arundel's Tower Captain is Teresa Kendall (01903 883 049). Lyminster's Tower Captain is David Hall (01903 884 724)

Visiting ringers are always welcome for Sunday service ringing, from 9.30 am to 10.00 am.