If you would like to find out about learning to ring and the best local tower for you to visit, or just have a question about bellringing in Sussex or in general, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get in touch and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Or, to contact a tower correspondent directly use the phone number or email address on the relevant Tower page.
The Association arranges events specifically aimed at the under 25s to get together, have some fun, develop their skills and eat cake! Keep an eye on the events calendar for dates and, if you can, the SCACR Facebook group (i.e. the main group) and the Sussex Young Ringers' Facebook group.
Sussex Young Ringers have taken part in the Ringing World National Youth Competition since it started in 2011 and have now won the competition three times! The band featured on Blue Peter, have been written about in The Times and have always done Sussex proud – always representing the county with great skill and great pride!
In 2020, the young ringers were presented with their very own set of handbells, in memory of the late Peter Hurcombe, a former Master of the Association and a very proud grandfather of an eminent young ringer!
Our practices from July to May each year are open to everyone, all abilities and experiences: If you know someone who would like to be part of this exciting venture, get in touch.
The young ringers are supported by the Sussex Young Ringers Fund (The Reg Johnson and Harold Wood Memorial Fund).
In 2015, the Reg Johnson Fund for young ringers was renamed "The Sussex Young Ringers Fund (the Reg Johnson and Harold Wood Memorial Fund)", following a substantial gift from the executors of Harold Wood's estate.
This fund is available to support Sussex Young Ringers under 25 years of age who have started to learn to ring. This includes tower or mini-ring or change-ringing on handbells.
The funds are available to support SCACR young ringers to develop their personal skills and for SCACR group activities. This may include developing ringing, organisational or team building skills, ringing and social events, striking competitions, forums, discussion groups, training courses and provision of books, software programmes, or other learning resources.
Applications for funding should be made in writing to the Association Secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) who will seek approval or otherwise from the Association Trustees and the Association Treasurer.
To make a donation to the Young Ringers fund, please see the main Charity Overview page.
Find out more about the Sussex Young Ringers. The Young Ringers' events are listed in the calendar.
The Sussex County Association of Change Ringers is a registered charity (number 268588). The registered address is 1 Southdown Terrace, Steyning, BN44 3YJ.
The Charity has three funds:
In order to continue supporting bell restoration projects in particular, but also the Young Ringers and other Association activities, the SCACR relies on donations, including legacies.
Donations - if you are a UK taxpayer, you can increase your gift by 25% at no cost to you by sending a Gift Aid Form with your donation.
Legacies – of course family and friends come first when you’re making a Will, but perhaps you can also spare a gift to the SCACR. This will help the Association to continue our activities to support and promote change ringing in Sussex.
If you are interested in leaving a legacy, please contact the Treasurer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
The SCACR financial policy details the roles and duties of the Finance Committee Officers (Master, General Secretary, Treasurer, BRF Secretary and District Secretaries). The policy also describes the three specfic funds, including their purpose and restrictions. It also includes the financial reporting requirements, together with our banking & investment policy.
The expenses policy covers travel, administration and events organisation costs and describes how these may be claimed from the Association. The expenses form should be completed and submitted to the treasurer.
If you have any questions about the financial and expenses policies, please contact the Treasurer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
The Bell Restoration Fund (BRF) is a registered charity (268588) which provides financial assistance for the restoration, maintenance and improvement of existing church bells, towers and belfries. The fund also supports preservation of bells from redundant churches. All the fund's activities are within the Diocese of Chichester in Sussex.
The fund is administered by the BRF Committee, which comprises the Association Master, General Secretary, BRF Secretary, Treasurer, Trustees and four other appointed members of the Association. The committee coordinates fund-raising for the BRF. Applications for a grant for financial or other assistance must be made to the BRF Secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) using the Application form. To make a donation to the BRF, please see the main Charity Overview page.
The BRF report and accounts are published in the Annual Report (at the AGM) each May for the previous calendar year. A copy of the Bell Restoration Fund Bye-laws can be found below:
Bell Restoration Fund Bye-Laws
BRF Application form (PDF) [Word version]
Funds for are available for helping towers in Sussex install simulator and training equipment such as dumb-bells. The money (£8000) comes from a legacy left to the Association by Brian Burrough (who learned to ring at Itchingfield in the 1950s and latterly rang at St Leonards), who died in 2006. It was his wish that the legacy be used for the advancement of ringing in Sussex. It is hoped that by offering some financial support, a wide mix of towers across the county might consider installing equipment. An application form is available below. Please contact a member of your local committee for guidance.