VOLUNTEERS in South Petherton held a recruitment day to find people who can teach the “fascinating, ancient art” of bell-ringing.

The number of bell-ringers at South Petherton has dwindled, so that there are often not enough people to ring all twelve bells.

Volunteers said Covid had a devastating effect on bell-ringing right across the country, with some people becoming too old to return, or giving up for other reasons, and of course, no new ringers being taught.

A spokesperson said: “Recently our much-loved ringer, Lydia Bishop, died aged 96 and amazingly left a large bequest for teaching new ringers.

“There are only two or three places in the country where people are employed to teach ringing.

“Mostly it is done by volunteers who want to pass on the skills that have given them so much pleasure in their lifetime.

“So, what the Petherton ringers are going to do is quite special. It’s been decided that two people will be employed to teach, and the first has already been appointed.

“We needed to find people who would like to learn this fascinating ancient art, so a big recruitment event was organised.

“The Charmborough Mini Ring was booked to be erected in the church. Luckily Petherton church is big enough to accommodate it.

“It’s an exact replica of a ring of church bells, but the heaviest bell only weighs three-quarters of a hundredweight.

“Church bells weigh considerably more, for instance, the Tenor at Yeovil weighs two tons.

“Because the bells are so light, it is safe for non-ringers, even children to have a go at ringing them.

“On the day, more than fifty local and not-so-local ringers arrived to help, and members of the public poured in.

“Everyone was encouraged to have a go on the mini-ring, to look at the exhibition of ringing paraphernalia, and to go up and have a go on the tower bells.

“A wonderful spread of tea and cakes was laid on and provided free to all. Every hour, on the hour, all the experienced ringers present rang some call changes on the tower bells, which gave the non-ringers a taste of what is involved.

“At the end of the day, we had a list of people who are keen to learn. Furthermore, we have shown local people and visitors from far and wide what a very special thing ringing is.

“They have experienced the dedication and the friendliness of ringers. So now the work to teach our recruits begins.

“The future of the Petherton Band is looking good. Bell-ringing is a wonderful hobby, giving the chance to visit places from the great cathedrals to tiny villages never discovered by most people.”