Hobbies The ‘thin blue line’
More youngsters in Kent are taking to the tower to keep bell ringing alive – and loving it! MKL has been finding out why…
When it comes to ringing the changes, Kent is ahead of the charge, with a rising number signing up to bring a welcome boost of youth to the county’s bell towers.
While a popular pastime among the older generation, with half of
all bell-ringers aged over 60, the church has been facing a recruitment crisis for some time.
However, here in Kent, the newbies – aged 10 to 21 – now number 25 since Kent Young Ringers was established by Kent County Association of Change Ringers (KCACR) in 2016. Under the guidance of youth officer Jennifer Tomas – who learned the skill, herself, at 14 they’re enthusiastic, highly competitive and already beating their peers to the bell when it comes to making the grade. Amber Cusick and her mum Christina joined the tower team at Westerham a litle under three years ago and at 15, she knows “the younger you start, the quicker you learn”. Dan Jarvis, at 17, has grown up to the sound of
I just love the sound; every bell has a different tone
church bells; both his parents ring and his family remind him oſten that he was just 10 days old when he heard his first peal.
Both music lovers, we asked, what’s the atraction? Dan said: “It’s got nothing to do with religion as such. I just love the sound; every bell has a different tone, and by its odd nature (a 13-beat cycle for six bells) change ringing is challenging to learn. You really have to concentrate and this involves you entirely – and because it’s loud, you’ve always an audience!”
Indeed, change ringing is like no other music. It is not writen on a standard score, but follows a blue line, in sequence – a bit like singing a ‘round’ but with bells.
Anyone can learn, says Dan, but having a good memory, a sense of rhythm, a head for figures and a sense of humour helps. In return, the art offers a good physical and mental workout and a close, sociable community, as well as a reason to get up on Sunday.
40 Mid Kent Living
Amber says: “It’s a team activity and everyone is happy to share their knowledge. As a youth squad we get on really well and meet regularly to practice, for social events, and to compete.”
Dan has rung at Rochester Cathedral and performed a rendition with handbells on the Docklands Light Railway and, last summer, alongside Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell, but lists his favourite bells as those at All Saints’ in Brenchley. “Tey all have their own tone and sound wonderful together,” says Dan.
Keeping the skill alive
Te youngsters I met rehearsing at Kemsing Church, near Sevenoaks, many were combining their regular Sunday morning sessions with rehearsals and school revision, but all believe they are the next generation keeping the traditional skill alive. KCACR youth officer Jennifer Thomas said: “The Kent Young Ringers have gone from strength to strength over the last three years; their high levels of enthusiasm and focus make them a lively and fun group to be with.”
Mid Kent Living wishes them success in Liverpool, where they will compete in the National Youth Ringing Contest and in hosting this month’s South East England regional contest at Horton Kirby.
Find out more…
Find out more at
www.kcacr.org.uk, call your local church or Jennifer for details of where to learn to ring in Kent on 01959 532664/07908 413 868.
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