Bellringing at St Mary’s
Devon Call-Change Bellringing at St Mary’s
Devon call-change ringing is a unique and traditional form of change ringing, distinct from the method ringing that is widely practiced elsewhere in England. It is a community-driven, musically-focused style that emphasizes precision, rhythm, and the shared experience of the ringing band. Rooted in Devon’s rural history, this form of ringing places a premium on achieving clear, powerful sound rather than mathematical complexity, and it is marked by the careful calling of changes by a conductor rather than the memorization of patterns by individual ringers.
Devon call-change ringing is a beautiful synthesis of community, precision, and musicality. Its emphasis on creating harmonious sound rather than following intricate ringing methods allows ringers to focus on striking quality and rhythm. It remains a living tradition, steeped in local pride and cultural heritage, with many towers continuing to teach and practice the principles that have defined this distinctive style for centuries.
The principles of
Devon Call-Change Ringing
1. Music and Sound Quality
At its heart, Devon call-change ringing is driven by the pursuit of a harmonious and powerful sound. While method ringing often focuses on mathematical permutations of the bells, Devon call changes are more about producing a pleasing sequence of tones. The musicality is paramount, and ringers strive for perfect striking – ensuring that each bell rings in its exact place in the sequence to create a clean and resonant sound.
A “good piece of ringing” in the Devon tradition is judged by how rhythmically accurate and well-struck the changes are, with the bells sounding evenly and clearly across the peal. This musical focus makes the practice a deeply communal experience, as ringers must listen to one another carefully and adjust to maintain the precise rhythm.
2. Call Changes and the Role of the Conductor
In Devon call-change ringing, the changes in the order of the bells are called out by a conductor (sometimes referred to as a “captain”). The conductor calls a specific bell to move one place either up or down in the sequence, and the rest of the bells adjust accordingly. For example, the conductor might call “2 to 3,” meaning the second bell should swap places with the third bell. Over time, this calling gradually alters the ringing sequence, creating a variety of musical patterns.
The conductor plays a central role in shaping the peal. Their knowledge of the bell’s orders and sequences helps direct the band toward creating the desired musical outcome. The skill of a conductor lies in timing their calls correctly, guiding the ringers into smooth transitions without disturbing the overall flow or rhythm of the performance.
3. Steady Rhythm
Rhythm is perhaps the most critical element in Devon call changes. Each bell must strike evenly, in time with the others, and the band must work together to maintain a steady pace. This demand for perfect striking requires concentration and discipline from all members of the ringing band.
Each ringer is responsible not just for their own bell but also for ensuring they fit perfectly into the ensemble. Small adjustments are often made in real time to stay in sync with the other ringers. Practicing and developing good “bell control” is a key part of learning this style of ringing. Ringers must develop a sensitive ear and a steady hand to ensure their bell sounds in exactly the right place.
4. Local Variations and Traditions
While Devon call-change ringing follows a basic set of principles, there is significant room for local traditions to shape the style. Different towers across Devon may have slightly varying practices or emphasize different musical sequences. This local flavor is part of what makes Devon call changes so distinctive. The culture of bellringing in Devon is often tied to village life, with towers competing in friendly competitions or festivals where the focus is on striking accuracy and musicality.
Competitions are a beloved part of the tradition, and judges carefully listen to the accuracy of striking, rewarding teams that produce clean, well-timed changes. The reputation of a ringing team or tower can be closely tied to its success in these competitions.
5. No Set Patterns
Unlike method ringing, where ringers follow pre-determined patterns and methods (such as Plain Bob or Grandsire), call-change ringing does not require each individual to memorize complex sequences. Instead, ringers only need to follow the conductor’s instructions, moving their bell one place up or down as called. This makes call-change ringing more accessible to beginners, as it requires less memorization, but still demands a high level of coordination and teamwork.
However, while it may seem simpler, it requires significant practice to master the art of striking cleanly and adjusting to the calls quickly. The lack of a set pattern allows for spontaneity and flexibility during the performance, with the conductor able to adapt on the fly to create different musical patterns.
6. Emphasis on Community and Teamwork
A strong sense of community pervades Devon call-change ringing. It is a collective effort that relies on every member of the band working together harmoniously. The relationship between conductor and ringer is crucial, as is the understanding between the ringers themselves. Everyone has to be highly attuned to the rhythm, both of their own bell and those around them, making communication—often unspoken—a key part of the experience.
In rural Devon, bellringing has long been a part of social life, with practices and performances tied to the community’s religious, festive, and competitive traditions. This close-knit social fabric is central to the enduring appeal of call-change ringing in the region.
Bob Robinson (centre) with the St Mary’s Morchard Bellringers – Improvers Group.
Meeting every Thursday at St Mary’s, the Improvers Group is a mixture of people, seasoned ringers with many years experience, all the way through to newcomers who have only taken up the challenge in the last year or so. It’s a very sociable group, everyone encouraging each other, sometimes getting it right, other times not, but under the guideance of Trainer and Conductor Bob Robinson we’re improving all the time.
The Peal of 6 Bells at St Mary’s
St Mary’s Church has 6 Bells, ranging in size from the 6 Cwt (305kg) Treble, to the Tenor weighing in at 15 Cwt (760kg). The majority of the bells have been in place since their casting in the 1700’s. The newest bell, the Treble is closing in on it’s 150th birthday.
Treble
Weight: 6 Cwt. approx.
305 kg
Cast: 1876
Note: D
Two
Weight: 7 Cwt. approx
355 kg
Cast: Unknown
Note: C
Three
Weight: 8 Cwt. approx.
406 kg
Cast: 1742
Note: B6
Four
Weight: 9 Cwt. approx
460 kg
Cast: 1739
Note: A
Five
Weight: 11 Cwt. approx
560 kg
Cast: 1743
Note: G
Tenor
Weight: 15 Cwt. approx
760 kg
Cast: 1724
Note: F
North Devon Deaneries
Bow
Brampford Speke
Cadbury
Cheriton Fitzpaine
Coldridge
Colebrooke
Crediton
Down St Mary
Lapford
Morchard Bishop
Newton St Cyres
Poltimore
Poughill
Rewe
Sandford
Shobrooke
Stockleigh English
Stoke Canon
Thorverton
Upton Pyne
Washford Pyne
Zeal Monachorum