Bell Ringing
Who we are
Welcome to the page for the Lytchett Minster Bellringers. We are a friendly group of mixed ages and abilities. Some of the team have rung for many years, others are just starting out on their bellringing journey and the rest are somewhere in between! Many of our current band are retired and have taken up bellringing as a new hobby.
When do we Ring
We have a practice night every Thursday evening from 7-8.30pm and ring before the sunday church service at 9am for half an hour.
In addition to those regular commitments we also ring for weddings and funerals on request and in celebration of particular local or national events such as the King's Coronation.
We currently have a staple of around 12 ringers who regularly attend but with 6 bells to ring we are always on the lookout for other prospective ringers. If you think it's something you might be interested in learning more about then please contact the church office or pop in to the church on one of our Thursday practice sessions.
What we've done so far in 2026...
There are plans for quarter peals being rung during 2026, with firsts for some of our ringers. A quarter peal is no mean feat as it involves continuously ringing a set method for around 45-50 minutes. Less strenuous than that might sound but it definitely takes some concentration...one mistake and the Quarter Peal is voided!
The annual excursion to Brownsea Island with our fellow Matravers ringers in May was a real treat as always, with a chance to ring the bells in the small church on the island as well as enjoying the nature that Brownsea has to offer.
30th May 2026 saw a team of our ringers win the novice shield at the Branch striking competition held at Lytchett Minster. A real achievement...
Learn to Ring
At Lytchett Minster we are always looking for people to join our enthusiastic and friendly band of bell ringers. If you have ever thought you might like to have a go at ringing, then this is the perfect opportunity to take up this unique and fascinating activity. Join us for a fun, social activity – no need to be musical though a sense of rhythm helps. Our teachers are registered with The Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) to teach bell ringing. If you are interested, please come along to a practise night or to find out more email churchoffice.1@btconnect.com
ABOUT THE BELLS AND TOWER
We have six bells at Lytchett Minster Parish Church - see Dove’s Guide for more in depth information.
The bells date from the 15th Century to 1910. The lightest bell weighs almost exactly 160kg, whilst the heaviest weighs a little over 500kg.
Sadly between 1910 and the 1950s the bells fell into disuse. Various repairs were carried out in 1974, and in 1994 the bells were removed completely to allow the main support beams to be replaced and the frames refurbished. The bells were then retuned before being put back in place. The ringing chamber is on the ground floor.
Photos of the bells copyright of Jack Pease Photography
We are affiliated to the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers (SDGR) and The East Dorset Branch Bell Ringers