There are 10 bells housed in the Victorian tower. Up until 2019 there were 8 bells, but the old frame and fittings were worn out. After a short fund-raising campaign, the bells and fittings were restored and replaced. Two new light bells were gifted, giving us a magnificent ring of 10. £125,000 was raised and the new ring should continue to ring for a very long time.

We are always looking to recruit new ringers, people who have never rang before, lapsed ringers, people of any age and ability. It is a fun, team activity, you do not need to be musical or strong to ring the bells. Our practice nights have swelled as other nearby churches join us to ring together. We regularly receive visitors to ring the bells from all over the country. The local bell ringing association usually hold their teaching workshops at Tanfield because the bells are so easy and pleasing to ring.

It is common to have churches will 6 or 8 bells. There are over 3000 churches with 6 or more bells, but less than 300 with 10 bells.

Two of our young ringers represented the local association band in the National Youth competition in 2023 and 2024 and won in both categories out of 30 plus teams. We are very proud of them.

Our practice night is a Friday at 7.30pm to 9pm except the 3rd Friday of the month where we go to support the ringers at St Cuthbert's at Chester-le-Street.

If you would like to learn or would like more information contact our Tower Captain Andrew Wallace on 0776 142 1981.