Bell Ringing

The sound of bells has been a familiar and much-loved ingredient of Sunday worship at St.Nicolas for generations. For many couples who marry here, their wedding would not be complete without it.

The Kings Norton Guild of Change Ringers was founded in 1892, with the main objective of ensuring that St.Nicolas bells are rung regularly for Sunday worship. Apart from war years, it has maintained this tradition right up to the present day. Bell ringing at St.Nicolas however goes back much further than this. There have been bells in the tower ever since it was built in the mid 15th Century. The art of ringing bells to 'changes' began in England in the 17th Century and developed in the 18th Century.

St.Nicolas acquired a new peal of eight bells in 1783 to replace an earlier peal of six (one of these bells, dated 1689, can be seen at the back of the church (photo right)). We are one of only 39 churches in the Diocese of Birmingham which possess bells hung for change ringing. We now have ten bells, the extra two being added in 1926 following a major restoration. In 2004 our wrought iron clappers had an 80th birthday treat - a trip to the bell foundry for a face lift - rebushing, reshaping and annealing.

On Sundays, the bells call parishioners to worship and accompany their arrival at church. They also send out a reminder to those who do not come, that the church is alive and active, and they are a comfort to those who are unable to attend through illness or infirmity.

In order to maintain our ringing tradition, we require a team of dedicated ringers (men, women, boys and girls) who are prepared to give up time to learn the difficult art of change ringing and to offer these acquired skills to enhance Sunday worship. Tuesday evening is our practice time. There is now an urgent need for volunteers to come forward if our ringing tradition is to continue. There are many benefits to be gained, e.g. healthy exercise (both physical and mental), friendship and satisfaction in being an important part of a team effort. Why not find out more? Come and see us any Tuesday, or contact one of the ringers ('phone numbers in the Magazine). Visitors are also welcome in the tower on Sundays and Church Open Days.