Articles

Codgers

'Codgers' is a group of ringers across Sussex of all ages who get together to for a 'mini-outing' once a month.  Although members are predominantly from Sussex there are several from other counties. The group will happily ring rounds and call changes as well as more difficult methods. Ringers of all ages and skills are welcome as long as they can handle a bell safely by themselves with reasonable striking.

The 'Codgers' meet once a month, usually on the third Thursday (check the calendar for details). The usual arrangement is to ring at two towers with a pub lunch between towers.

Please get in touch if you wish to join the group, or could help with organising events: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Handbook & Annual Report

The Annual Report & Handbook is usually prepared around the time of the AGM (May);  The Handbook lists all Sussex towers, including practice and Sunday ringing details, members, and contact details for the Tower Correspondent and/or Tower Captain. Also included are lists of Association Officers and District Committee Members, including contact details. The Handbook includes the following:

• Association & District Officers & Team members
• Useful information (e.g. Young Ringers, Publicity Materials, Odd-struckness Meter, and more!)
• Tower details
• Annual Reports:
  • Master
  • Association (General) Secretary
  • Treasurer & Association Accounts
  • Bell Restoration Fund
  • District Secretaries
  • Communication & Events team
  • Training & Recruitment Team
  • Safeguarding
  • Library
  • Peals
  • Bell Restoration Fund
• Quarter peal list
• Peal list and analysis
• List of Honorary Life Members & Long Service Members
• List of unattached members
• Past officers
• Belfry prayers

All association members are entitled to request a printed copy of the Annual Report & Handbook when renewing their membership. The report is included in the annual subscription. The Handbook is available via Membermojo.

Non-members can request a copy from the Association Secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.); a small charge applies to non-members to cover printing and postage costs.

What is Bellringing?

Bellringing is a team activity for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Although some ringers are members of the church where they ring the bells, many ringers are not - you don't have to be Christian to ring the bells at a church. Many consider ringing to be their contribution to church life, others do it for the pure pleasure and the company it brings.

Bellringing is an excellent way to keep both mind and body fit and active. Ringers are part of an inclusive and extensive community - at their local tower, within the county, across the UK and even internationally. 

"When I’m ringing I forget all the tensions and frustrations of the day. Even better: I couldn’t wish for a nicer group of friends!"

Read on, or contact us and learn more about opportunities to ring near where you live.

Change Ringing

The origins of change ringing lie in the sixteenth century when church bells began to be fitted with a full wheel. This gave ringers control of their bell, allowing sets of bells (rings) to be rung in continously changing patterns.

Music is created by altering the order in which the bells sound. This is done in defined sequences of changes called methods. Learning a few simple methods allows ringers to join in with other bands in towers around the world. Changes can be rung on tower (church) bells or on handbells.

Find out more about the history of ringing in Sussex.

Interested in learning to ring? Bellringers in Sussex would welcome you as a new recruit! Read on to find out more about learning to ring.

1885-2010: The First 125 Years

David Kirkcaldy (Master of the SCACR 2010-2013) has published a book about history of the Association:

“The Sussex County Association of Change Ringers 1885-2010: A History of its First 125 Years”

At many times over the past 125 years, Sussex has been at the forefront of ringing, from the Horsham Society of Bellringers and their early peal ringing exploits to some of the more humble village bands. This book follows the trials and tribulations of the Association from its beginnings to the present day. It describes the strong characters who may not always have been in agreement with one another but who have shaped the SCACR into what it is today.

184 pages, with 79 B&W and colour illustrations. Cost £10, plus £3.30 p&p (cheques payable to D Kirkcaldy). Available from 27 Hills Road, Steyning, West Sussex, BN44 3QG. Copies also available from the Association's ringing bookstall (LINK). Any queries, please contact David on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or phone 01903 813653.

ISBN 978-0-9558942-1-3 (Holden Press) Copyright David Kirkcaldy 2012.