Devon bell-ringers celebrate 150th anniversary

The bells have been manually rung in and around Devon for hundreds of years

A Devon bellringing group is celebrating its 150th anniversary by launching a new history book.

The Guild of Devonshire Ringers formed in 1874, and represents over 600 church bell ringers across Devon.

The book, 'Devon Bellringing 1874 - 2023', has been updated to include new chapters from 1973 to 2023 and biographical notes on Guild pioneers.

The Guild Librarian Les Boyce has been ringing for 60 years, and said the book included different styles of ringing.

He said: "Our guild owes its origins really to a move by the clergy in the middle of the 19th Century to try and reform what went on in belfries, as some of the behaviour wasn't terribly salubrious.

"Some bands of ringers were more interested in ringing for prize competition than ringing for Sunday service.

"So, some of the the Devon landed gentry and some of the clergy got together in an office in Exeter in March, 1874, to discuss the formation of a guild to promote changed method ringing or scientific ringing.

"They saw that as a way of making ringers more engaged mentally in their activity and getting them to behave better, and to reform what went on in belfries."

'Level playing field'

Nicola Jones, the Guilds publicity officer, began bellringing seven years ago, and said it was a social community for all.

She said: "Once you're in the ringing chamber, some of the littlest, oldest ladies ring the biggest heaviest bells so it is truly a really level playing field.

"As you progress to get to know people better, you start to find out where they came from, what they've done and we have such a remarkable range of backgrounds and skills and knowledge local people who've grown up in Devon."

Bells flip 180 degrees when they are being rung

John Martin, the Guild General Secretary who has rung for 51 years, said it was more than just bell ringing.

He said: "It's probably no coincidence that many churches are close to pubs, so after practice we might often adjourn for some refreshment.

"When you're actually in the tower, it doesn't matter what your background is, you're all working together as a team."

Mr Boyce said age did not matter if you wanted to join the Guild.

He said: "The fact that many of us ringers are still active into our 70s and 80s I think speaks volumes for the health benefits of being a bell ringer - both physical exercise and mental stimulation."

A series of peel ringing will be rung on Saturday morning in Tiverton, and the event will take place from 15:30 GMT at St Petrock's Church in Exeter with a book launch and signing, followed by tea, cake and ringing.