Petersfield Young Farmers pull together on bellringing challenge

They’re used to following tracks and there’s no denying their pulling power.

So members of the Petersfield Young Farmers Club rose to the challenge after giving bellringing a go.

Around 25 young farmers swapped the countryside for the church to learn about the traditional art of change ringing with the team at St Peter’s.

Members watched the bells being rung via a CCTV link before learning about their history and the role of ringers.

A demonstration followed before the visitors got on the ropes with both parties finding plenty of common ground.

“Both rely on teamwork, good timing, and everyone knowing when to pull their weight,” said Katie Allen, who can often be found ringing at St Mary’s Liss.

“Whether you're handling livestock or handling a bell rope, things tend to work best when everyone pulls together.”

The group learned that the tenor bell weighs around 790kg – about the same as a Formula one car – while the oldest in the St Peter’s tower dates to 1750.

The other seven have been added at various times between 1770 and 1978 with modern sensor technology being incorporated to allow ringers to practice silently.

“It was wonderful to see so many people keen to have a go, and we are grateful to experienced ringers from Petersfield, Liss, Hawkley and Selborne who helped throughout the evening,” added Katie.

It’s been a memorable few months for the team at St Peter’s with an historic full peal being completed in August in tribute to three departing teenage ringers.

Full peals are usually limited to major events and are a test of stamina, teamwork and concentration, taking just under three hours to complete.

It was also the first to be completed by the church’s all-local Sunday Service band since 1937.

If you are interested in bellringing contact Rachael at [email protected]