St Mary’s church tower has contained bells since at least the 16th century, and most probably long before. The current bells form a ring of 12 bells dated 2002 cast at Taylors of Loughborough – the result of a ‘millennium’ project to replace the previous bells and frame because of accumulated changes and repairs over the years. The previous ring of eight was cast in Gloucester in 1754 by the well-known firm of Rudhalls, and we still have one of them in the tower which can be used occasionally. Bells generally last a long time! Whilst the cost of the installation in 2002 was approaching £150,000, several of the bells were given by families or supporters as a memorial, and some were given by local companies or organisations – so the installation is very much part of the ‘Town Church’ and owned by all!
Whilst the Tower therefore contains a lot of history, the activity of bellringing is a practical exercise acting as ‘the voice of the church’, as the bells are not only rung for regular Sunday services but also on special days of national or local celebration. Thus we rang for the King’s Coronation, and previously for many occasions for our late Queen, as well as often for weddings and the occasional special service or anniversary. The bells are also rung for practise – where we will normally quieten-them down a bit by closing some sound control doors over the louvres – this is kinder to the neighbours. The clock chimes the hours and quarters on the bells when we are not ‘ringing’ them, but again this does not happen at night, when the control system switches the chimes off.
Bellringers of the churches of Worcestershire belong to the local society – the Worcestershire and Districts Association of Change Ringers – which keeps us in touch with each other and arranges practices and meetings of various kinds to further the Art of Ringing. We take an active part in the Northern Branch of this organisation, and occasionally host meetings. St Mary’s was also the venue for a stage of the national ‘Twelve-Bell Competition’ on two occasions, when ringers from all over the Country came to Kidderminster to compete. Unfortunately our band here is not quite up to the standard of Birmingham, Worcester and St Paul’s Cathedral! But they all enjoyed the new bells which we have here, and we listened to some first-class ringing.
The present Band of Bellringers enjoy teaching newcomers to the Art of Ringing, and are looking for more recruits to join. We usually meet for practice on Thursday evenings at 7.45 – 9.15pm, and of course we ring for Sunday morning service at 10.15 – 11.00am.
Contact the present Tower Captain David Struckett on 07976 746225 or email [email protected] for further details. Some extra practices are usually arranged for newcomers to learn how to ‘handle a bell’, but they are soon able to take part with the others!.