Bell-silencing system goes like the clappers

A CHURCH has been given £3,000 to install a silent bell-ringing system so bellringers can train without disturbing parishioners.

A lottery grant is paying for a silent eight-bell simulator at St James’ the Great Church in Barrow, Cumbria.

Lottery money has already helped the church repair its rain-damaged bells but now practice can be conducted in silence by removing clappers and attaching sensors to the bells so bellringers can hear synthesised tones in headphones. Andy Pollock, tower captain, said: “We will be able to offer better facilities for people to learn and preserve this skill for generations to come.”

St James is inviting volunteers to join them, saying bell ringing offers a “moderate workout for both body and mind” and is suitable for anyone aged 11 and above.

The church is one of a number across the country recruiting 1,400 bell ringers to help mark 100 years since the First World War ended. Bells nationwide will ring out on Armistice Day.