There is something nostalgic, comforting, uplifting and magical about bells. At St Andrew's our skilled bell ringers can ring a 5 or 8 and they do so before Sunday morning worship and for special occasions. Our bells sound out across the town, calling people to worship, marking weddings and celebrating important occasions in the life of the town. They were rung when the victorious England Rugby World Cup squad visited the town to receive the Freedom of the Borough in 2004.
The bell ringers are always happy to welcome people who want to learn this ancient art. There are regular practice sessions on a Monday evening and the Tower Captain Christine Homer and Vice Captain John Goddard would welcome enquiries. Contact us for more information on 01788 536566 or e-mail our Parish OfficeThe West TowerThe older set of five bells are hung in the West Tower (see right) which dates from about 1350. These bells, tuned in the key of A, were cast in 1711 by Joseph Smith of Edgbaston. They are hung in a frame which dates from about 1620. In 1929 they were rehung by John Taylor and Co. of Loughborough.
The North East TowerThe North East Tower was built in 1895 as the final stage of the rebuilding of the church by William Butterfield. It contains 8 bells tuned in the key of D and cast by Mears and Stainbank of the Whitechapel Foundry. In 1955 they were lowered by 17 feet as there was movement in the tower, and in 1992 they were rehung to make ringing easier.