Discover the Ancient Art of Bell Ringing

at Lenham, Kent

Learn a fascinating skill, meet wonderful people, explore historic church towers and become part of a tradition that has been bringing communities together for hundreds of years.

✓ Completely Free
✓ Beginners Welcome
✓ All Ages

Did You Know?

✅ Completely free to learn

✅ Suitable from around age 10–12 upwards (depending on height and strength)

✅ No musical experience needed

✅ Learn at your own pace

✅ A hobby you can enjoy for life

✅ Make lifelong friendships

✅ Ring for weddings, Christmas and community celebrations

Bell ringing is one of the few hobbies where a 14-year-old and an 84-year-old can genuinely participate together and have fun

What is Bell Ringing?

More Than Just Ringing Bells

Most people have heard church bells...

Very few know what happens inside the tower.

Bell ringing is a fascinating team activity that combines skill, concentration and friendship. Every practice night is different and every new learner is welcomed at their own pace.

No musical experience required.

No previous knowledge needed.

Just curiosity.

Why People Love It

🧠 Keep your brain active

🤝 Meet fantastic people

🏰 Explore amazing towers

🔔 Learn a unique skill

The Hidden World Above

Places Most People Never See

One of the biggest rewards of bell ringing is the opportunity to climb incredible church towers.

From medieval staircases to breathtaking views across the Kent countryside, every tower has its own story.

As a bell ringer you'll experience a hidden part of our local heritage that very few people ever get to see.

A Hobby That Brings Generations Together

One of the most special things about bell ringing is that it's something the whole family can enjoy together.

It's not unusual to see parents, teenagers, grandparents and even great-grandparents ringing side by side in the same tower. Few hobbies offer the chance for different generations to learn together, support each other and share a skill that can last a lifetime.

Whether you're looking for a new family activity, a rewarding hobby for yourself, or something meaningful for a young person in your life, bell ringing welcomes everyone.

Why young people benefit

For teenagers and young adults, bell ringing demonstrates valuable qualities that universities, employers and apprenticeship providers appreciate, including:

• Commitment
• Teamwork
• Reliability
• Communication skills
• Problem solving
• Volunteering
• Responsibility

Depending on local arrangements, bell ringing may also provide evidence towards the Volunteering section of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

The best part? Many families discover they don't just learn a new skill—they create lasting memories together while becoming part of a welcoming community.

Ringing Opportunities

Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the year.

Then use cards or icons for something like:

🔔 Weekly Practice Nights
Learn new skills, improve your confidence and enjoy an evening with fellow ringers in a relaxed, supportive environment.

💍 Wedding Ringing
Celebrate one of life's happiest occasions by ringing for local weddings and creating unforgettable memories.

🎄 Christmas & Seasonal Ringing
Be part of one of the most magical times of the year, ringing for Christmas services, carol events and festive celebrations.

⛪ Sunday Service Ringing
Help continue a centuries-old tradition by ringing before services and welcoming the local community.

🏰 Tower Visits & Ringing Tours
Visit beautiful churches across Kent and beyond, discovering towers and bells that most people never get the chance to see.

🎓 Training & Learning
From your very first lesson to advanced methods, there are always opportunities to develop your skills.

🎉 Special Events & Community Celebrations
Ring for village fetes, civic occasions, anniversaries, commemorations and other local events.

🤝 Open Evenings & Have-a-Go Sessions
Thinking about learning? Come along, meet the team, watch a practice and even have a go under the guidance of an experienced ringer

Our Values

• Friendly – Everyone was once a beginner.
• Welcoming – We enjoy helping new people discover bell ringing.
• Supportive – Learn at your own pace with experienced ringers.
• Respectful – We care for our historic bells, church and each other.
• Community – We're proud to help keep an important local tradition alive.
• Enjoyable – Bell ringing should be rewarding, sociable and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I Wear?

There's no special dress code—most people come in casual clothes, such as jeans, trousers, shorts or leggings with a comfortable top. We do recommend avoiding very loose-fitting clothing, as it can sometimes get in the way while ringing. Dresses and skirts can also make ringing a little less comfortable, especially when you're learning. Flat, comfortable shoes are ideal, as you'll usually be climbing stairs to the ringing chamber. If you'd like to dress to impress afterwards, feel free!

We're far more interested in welcoming new ringers than what you're wearing.

Accessibility & Everyone is Welcome

We welcome people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities, and we'll always do our best to support anyone who would like to learn to ring.  Bell ringing doesn't require you to be an athlete, and many ringers continue enjoying the hobby throughout their lives. Some of our members live with health conditions or disabilities, and we encourage anyone who's interested to get in touch so we can discuss how we can help. Unfortunately, because the ringing chamber at St Mary's Church, Lenham is only accessible via a staircase, it isn't currently possible for wheelchair users to access the tower.  If you have any questions about accessibility, mobility, hearing, vision or any other support needs, please don't let this put you off getting in touch. We'll always be happy to have a conversation and explain what's involved before you visit.

Do I need to be religious?

Not at all.

Many bell ringers enjoy the history, teamwork, challenge and community spirit of bell ringing, regardless of their personal beliefs. While we ring for church services, weddings and special occasions, you're welcome to learn and take part whether you're religious or not.

How old do I need to be?

There's no upper age limit!

Young people can usually start learning from around 10–12 years old, depending on their height, confidence and ability to safely handle a bell rope. Many of our ringers continue enjoying the hobby well into their 70s, 80s and beyond.

Bell ringing is one of the few activities where children, parents and grandparents can all enjoy taking part together.

For safeguarding reasons, anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or another responsible adult while attending practices or learning to ring.

If you're unsure whether you or your child are ready to give it a try, please get in touch—we'll be happy to answer any questions and explain what to expect on your first visit.

I think that strikes the right balance: it's welcoming, clearly explains the safeguarding requirement, and ends by encouraging people to contact you rather than being put off.

Is it free?

Learning to ring with the Lenham Bell Ringers is completely free. All we ask is that you come along with an open mind, enjoy yourself and become part of our friendly community.

Once you've learnt the basics and decide that bell ringing is something you'd like to continue, we recommend joining the Kent County Association of Change Ringers (KCACR). Membership costs just a small annual fee and includes valuable Public Liability Insurance, along with access to training opportunities, ringing events, visits to other towers and becoming part of the wider bell-ringing community across Kent.

There's absolutely no pressure—many people come along to several practice sessions before deciding whether bell ringing is the hobby for them

Do I need to be strong?

No.

Bell ringing is much more about technique and timing than strength. The bells are carefully balanced, so you're controlling the bell rather than lifting it.

People of all shapes, sizes and ages learn to ring successfully. Our experienced ringers will teach you at your own pace, and you'll soon discover that good technique is far more important than muscle!