Thought to be one of the only primary schools in the country with its own bellringing team, young ringers from Brighstone CE Aided Primary School are preparing to ‘Ring for the King’ this weekend in celebration of the Coronation.
The children have only been ringing since last September having been taught by local bellringers Beccy and Steve Noyes at an after school club organised by the school.
Six are still ringing
Of the seven children who signed up, six are still ringing and doing so well that they now join the regular evening practices at St Mary’s Church in the village with adults and other young ringers.
Due to its popularity, the school has since started another after school bellringing club – with another five children learning the ropes and progressing well.
Coronation a real focus for the young ringers
Although ringing for the Coronation wasn’t the reason for creating the club, it has provided a real focus for the young ringers who have worked hard to perfect their skills ready to take part in a special ringing session at Brighstone Church on the morning of the Coronation.
The children will ring a series of ‘called changes’, where they will follow commands from the ringing leader which will change the order of the bells to create the traditional church bell sound most people are familiar with.
Noyes: It is certainly something for the village school to be proud of
Beccy Noyes said,
“The young ringers have worked really hard over the past few months; it has been wonderful to see them progress and take so much enjoyment from the activity.
“I don’t think many schools can say they have their own bellringing team – it is certainly something for the village school to be proud of.”
Lennon: Is going to be truly special for the children
Rebecca Lennon, headteacher at Brighstone CE Aided Primary School added,
“We are extremely proud of our young bellringers who have learned so much thanks to Steve and Beccy’s expert tuition. Since September, the school team has rung to celebrate our Christmas Nativity, Ash Wednesday and our Easter Service – but ringing for the King’s Coronation is going to be truly special for the children and an occasion for them to remember forever.”
Hear the bellringers
For those wishing to hear the young ringers ‘Ring for the King’, they – along with other Brighstone Bellringers – will begin at 9.30am on Saturday 6th May at St Mary’s Church, Brighstone and ring for approximately one hour.
For more information about the school, please visit the Website.
News shared by Melissa on behalf of Brighstone CE Aided Primary School. Ed
