St. John the Evangelist

Coulsdon Parish Church - Old Coulsdon, Surrey

Bell Ringing

Although the bellringers' main task is to ring the bells for the Sunday Services, they are also rung for weddings and other special occasions. In addition, weekly practices are held on Tuesday evenings.

The five bells at St John's are unusual in that they were all cast by the same founder, and that they have not been added to. They were cast in 1675 by John Hodson (or possibly his son Christopher) at their foundry in London and all bear the same inscription:

"CH   JOHN HODSON MADE ME 1675   THOMAS WOOD   JASPER WOOD   CHURCHWARDENS"

The bells were last rehung in 1991 by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough, ably assisted by some of the local ringers.

Learning to ring a church bell requires commitment, determination, perseverance and loyalty, but rewards with a sense of achievement and of being part of a team - and it's good exercise!

New ringers are always welcome, and anyone over 12 is welcome to learn provided they can commit themselves to regular practices. We have a very experienced band at St John's, and we can provide tuition ranging from basic bell control skills to advanced change ringing. After a few months as a learner, most people are ready to start ringing for services. The tower is affiliated to the Surrey Association of Church Bell Ringers who organise many ringing practices and social events each year, to which all ringers are welcome.

If you would like to learn to ring, or to know more about what goes on in the tower, just come along one Tuesday between 8 and 9 p.m. Alternatively, contact the Tower Captain through the Parish Office.