Bell Ringers

Old Marston Bell Ringers Association

For information about the bell ringers please contact Huge Deam on 01865-247574 or at:

Hughie.deam@oldmarston-pc.gov.uk

St. Nicholas Society of Bell Ringers History

St. Nicholas has had bells and a band to chime or ring them for many years. In the 19th century five bells were installed in the tower. This meant that an organised band with a leader was needed. Thus Marston started a regular band, similar to the one we have today. Unfortunately the number of ringers in the Oxford area dwindled between 1914 and 1945. Although efforts to recruit started jn 1944, it wasn't until the arrival of Alec Gammon that things began to improve. Alec was a member of the Oxford Society and the Oxford Guild, as well as a method ringer. Marston, being a call change band, did not have Guild members.

When the Revd. Gordon Savage arrived, a society, based on St. Nicholas Church was founded to train bell-ringers and to provide ringers for services when required. The officers at that time were:-Roy Jones (Captain), Bill Brain and Christine Woodward (vice captains) and Alec Gammon (secretary). The society joined the Oxford Guild and became a member of the City Branch. It became the leading five bell tower in the world. It is now a six bell one!

In 1972 a sixth bell was added and the platform was built so that a vestry could be established. The short ropes falling easily to hand and the light ring (6cwt) make excellent teaching and learning facilities. The society is involved in teaching at other towers and in providing ringers or bands to ring for special occasions as well as serving at towers around Oxford on a regular basis.

Outings, visits and other activities are provided throughout the year as well as week-end or week ringing occasions. If you think you might be interested in joining the society and learning the art of change ringing and are over ten years of age, then arrange to visit a practice evening between 7.15 p.m. and 8 p.m. on a Friday by contacting Hugh Deam Tel: 247574, or visit the tower on a Sunday between ringing and service time. You do not have to take part, but it is an easy way to make new friends. Change ringing does not require brute strength, so anyone can learn, as an individual or in a group. More females have been ringers at Marston than males!

Practice Nights

Fridays: 19:30 - 21:00

Sunday Service Ringing Times

2nd to 5th Sundays: 17:30 - 18:00

Links to Bell Ringers Website

Marston Branch

Oxford City Branch of Church Bell Ringers

Gallery

Hear the Bells

The History, Terminology and Everything Else You Need to Know about Bell Ringing

The Bell Ringers are looking for more trainees to join them - please call Hugh Deam above