BELLS & BELLRINGING
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At Ampthill we are a band of friendly ringers that meet to practise on Thursday evenings and ring at occasional Sunday services, weddings and funerals. We always welcome new ringers who wish to learn this ancient pastime and of course, visitors are very welcome.
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We also have a set of hand bells for those who fancy a try at ringing these with others.
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Background and history
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There have been bells in St Andrew’s since at least the 17th century (the oldest dated bell having the year 1665 on it) and probably earlier. The church currently has 8 bells the tenor weighing 13cwt about 670kg. The back 5 bells were removed in 1897 broken up and recast into 5 new bells on a steel frame, with a sixth being added in 1899. Two new treble bells were added in 1981.
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The photo on the right shows the tenor and treble bells visible in the 1898 bell frame.
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Interested?
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So if you would like to know more or give bell ringing a try, contact the tower captain, John Hele on 01525 840278, 07768 252461 or at john.s.hele@gmail.com