Bell Ringers

St Lawrence, Stratford sub Castle band of Bellringers was formed in 1998 as a consequence of the installation of the new ring of six bells in the church. A number of villagers had learned to ring at St. Thomas` in Salisbury in preparation for "Ringing in the Millennium".

Ever since the bells were commissioned in 1998, a sufficient number of ringers has been maintained to ring the bells every Sunday and for weddings etc. In all those years the ringers have practised most Monday evenings from 7.30 to 9 pm.

We have initiated a ‘learning to ring’ session for beginners. This is very much for new ringers and will be run occasionally on Monday nights from 7 to 7.30 to provide them quality time on the bells with their instructor.

Bellringers for the Coronation May 2023 (1).jpg

Image above: Beginners, teachers and experienced ringers who all rang to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6 May 2023.

If you are interested in taking part in what can be a fun and very rewarding pastime, you are most welcome to come along to one of our practices on Mondays from 7.30 pm.

For more information please contact the Tower Captain Alison Clayton 01722 446634 or email stratfordscbells@gmail.com

On Sunday 21 October 2018, twenty years after the first quarter peal was rung on the (then) new bells for the service of dedication, another quarter peal was rung. A method known as ‘Grandsire’ was used which requires the bells to be rung continuously with no break and without any mistakes. It was accomplished in 36 minutes, a fine time as such a feat usually takes 40-45 mins.

Click the play button to listen to a short recording of the Quarter Peal 21 October 2018

The band included Harry Brockway, the Tower Captain at that time, and was led by another member of the home team, Ron Johnson who had also led the band for the 1998 quarter peal.

More information about the history of the bells can be found in this article written by Jim Platt in November 2018.