The tradition of bell ringing in English churches is believed to date back to the 11th century, but a Suffolk bell ringing group is appealing for new members to help bolster dwindling numbers. 

For centuries, the familiar peal of hammer on bronze has echoed throughout the land to herald the start of church services, as well as major events, such as weddings. 

But now the tradition may be under threat as groups lose their bell ringers through retirement or death and the volunteers who ring at churches in Iken, Orford and Tunstall are no different. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Bell ringer Stephen WorrallBell ringer Stephen Worrall (Image: Charlotte Bond)

David Goldin, a bell ringer at Orford, said there were currently three members in the group when an ideal number would be eight. 

They are responsible for bell ringing at St Bartholomew’s Church in Orford and St Michael’s Church in Tunstall, but the lack of numbers has meant they can no longer ring-in church services. 

However, Mr Goldin said they could still perform at special occasions, such as the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The bell ringers need eight members, ideallyThe bell ringers need eight members, ideally (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Potential bell ringers would need to be able to spare two hours a week, which includes practices and can be either sex and any age, while bell ringing is also accessible to people with disabilities. 

Mr Goldin said that currently there was no preferred day for practice sessions. 

“It is one of those things that the better you get at it, the less energy you expend. At the beginning, it is hard work and as you get better, it is easier,” he added. 

The group would normally start ringing the bells about 20 minutes before the service and Mr Goldin said there was a tradition where bell ringers would normally go to the pub after they had finished, although the lack of numbers had affected the ability to socialise. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Bell ringers ring in church services and special occasionsBell ringers ring in church services and special occasions (Image: Charlotte Bond)

He added: “Once it is going well, it is a very positive pastime. It is nice to do a job well. In the past, we have been quite a social group. We get on well with each other. 

“Being able to socialise with others is important and there is a tradition that bell ringers should go off to the pub afterwards, but I am afraid in this neck of the woods that has never really taken place.”