Bell Ringing

At St Mark's, we have a band of enthusiastic ringers, who ring our historic peal of six bells. With three of our bells pre-dating the Reformation (when many bells were destroyed), it is a tradition which stretches a long way back into Bilton's history, but we are pleased to say it is still thriving today.

Ringing takes place every week for the main 10am Sunday service, starting at 9.15am, and sometimes for our evening services. Ringers are also in demand for a number of weddings during the year, and even for funerals. Around Christmas time, there are a number of special carol services for which we also ring.

We have long-standing ringers who have been ringing since their junior school days, but also those who are 'learning the ropes' from scratch - new ringers, of any age or experience, are always welcome. Quarter Peals are rung on special occasions, often for a ringer to demonstrate newly acquired skills, and none of us ever stop learning. In recent years, we rang on the funeral day of the late HM Queen Elizabeth II, and we also rang to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla (part of the national 'Ring for the King' recruitment drive). We have also restarted the tradition of ringing in the New Year, despite competition from fireworks ! Further back in time, in 2008, I'm sure there was a great celebration when the bells were rehung.

We are members of the Coventry Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers, and often take part in Guild wide activities such as striking competitions, special practices and outings, and these are excellent social occasions.

Ringing practices take place on Monday evenings, from 7.30-9.00pm, except on bank holidays, and visitors are welcome to join us. For more information, please contact the Tower Captain, David Price, at bilton@coventrydg.co.uk