WRS in-person ringing resumed in April 2021 after being halted for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we currently have a somewhat variable schedule as well as some COVID-related requirements that people ringing with us must meet. Therefore, visiting ringers wishing to ring with us MUST contact us (email info@washingtonringingsociety.org) ahead of time to determine whether this will be possible.

 

animated gif showing a ringer and bell

An Animated Ringer

This is a great image of what happens when we ring a bell "full circle." We start with the bell mouth up and pull on the fluffy bit (sallie) for what we call the "hand stroke." After the bell rotates almost 360 degrees we pull on the end of the rope to accomplish the "tail stroke."

The clapper actually hits the leading edge of the bell just before it becomes vertical and then rests on that edge. On larger bells it can take about two seconds between strikes of the bell.

A special thanks to Barney Stratford for allowing us to use his great image.

 

animated gif of two ringers dodging

Dodging

This is what physically happens when the bells are known to “dodge." Dodging is when one bell rings before another, then the next time they strike the first bell strikes after the second. What you would hear is ‘ding’ ‘dong’ then about 2 seconds later you hear ‘dong’ ‘ding.' Then another 2 seconds later you hear ‘ding’ ‘dong.'

This is the effect of two bells swapping positions and in bell ringing terms it is called dodging.

 

animated gif of a bell swinging full circle

Bell Swinging

This is a great image of a bell ringing "full circle."  The bell rotates about 300 degrees and the clapper actually hits the leading edge of the bell just before it becomes vertical and then rests on that edge. On larger bells it can take about two seconds between strikes of the bell.

On the bottom of the this image you can see the the "stay" on the bell headstock touching the "slider" which in turn is mounted on the frame. This device keeps the bell from over rotating.

The action of the rope as it goes around the wheel is also clear. When the rope goes most of the way around the wheel we are at "back stroke."

A special thanks to Chris Billinge for allowing us to use his great image. 

 

an animated gif of a swinging bell

Cutaway of a Swinging Bell

This is a  good cut away view of the bell and its parts from the East Bergholt site. They have a unique way of ringing and well worth a visit. Another image from their site may be found on this site.
 
Of particular note is the fact the clapper strikes the leading edge of the bell past horizontal and then rests on it.
 
A special thanks to Paul Ireland for allowing us to use his great image.

Rounds on 5

These five ringers are pulling their bells in sequence from left to right, highest pitch to lowest pitch.

 

an animated gif of rounds on 5


 

Please feel free to link to our animations with acknowledgement.