Bell Ringers Wanted

At the heart of Bampton stands the beautiful Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin. Built on the site of an earlier Saxon Minster, St. Mary’s has been a centre for Christian Worship for over 1000 years. Dominating the skyline is the massive central tower dating from Norman times topped by a majestic spire which was added in the 13th Century.

This tower houses a magnificent peal of 8 bells. The heaviest six were installed in 1629, probably the first 6 to exist in Oxfordshire. Two more were installed in 1906 giving us 8 in total ranging from the Treble weighing just over 5 cwt, 254 kgs, to the Tenor weighing just over 23 cwt, 1168 kgs.

The bells are rung for weddings and funerals but because they are so popular they are frequently rung by visiting bands of ringers from many parts of the country when they are on a day’s outing.

Sadly, over recent years, due to aging, health or ringers moving away, the number of active Bampton ringers has reduced so there is only one active Bampton ringer left. Ringing for Sunday services is done using our automated change ringing system but it does not sound as good as bells rung by people.
Fortunately, thanks to ringers from other local towers who love our bells, we manage to maintain a weekly practice at St. Mary’s on Monday evenings from 7.30 to 9pm. 

However, it is very important that the ancient art of Change Bell Ringing is carried on into the future by Bamptonians. If not, nearly 400 years of the sound of our beautiful bells will be lost.

If you live in the Bampton district and have rung before or you would like to learn to ring or you would be interested in watching a practice then please contact our Tower Captain, Steve McLaren on 07921 820 743.