Community Action Features

Bells are very much a part of the Staffordshire aural landscape - they ring out at weddings at Christmas and New year - and in the past they played a part in warning people of impending invasion as well as celebration.

Church bells have been used for centuries to call the faithful to prayer - and there are those that feel the sound of half a dozen ringing out on a Sunday morning is too much to bear after a good Saturday night out. But if all our bells fell silent - we'd miss them surely?

New Ringers

The art of bell-ringing has been passed down through the ages - but these days with so much to distract people - fewer people are taking on the challenge of learning.

We'll be updating this page every month with pictures and audio and if you are thinking of taking up bell ringing or want to contribute contact Mary at mary.fox@bbc.co.uk

Learning to ring

Phil Gay is a leading member of the bell ringing community in North Staffordshire and he'll be our guide:-

Ringers in training at Madeley Church

Phil loves bell-ringing so much, he installed a full set in his garage - which you can see on our video:-

If you've ever wondered what happens to bells when they get worn out or the church is closed, you might be surprised to learn that there is a healthy trade here and abroad, as bell enthusiasts are always on the look out for cast offs.

Bell ringing expert Phil Gay

St John's Church in Hanley , which has been closed for many years ,has a set of ten bells which have yet to be re-housed. Phil told Mary more about them:-

Mobile Belfry

The Lichfield diocese is lucky enough to have a mobile belfry which was on display at the county show recently. BBC Radio Stoke's Drivetime presenter Mary Fox found out more:-

If you want to get involved you can find out lots more at the North Staffs Association of Change ringers website:-

We'll be updating this page every month with pictures and audio and if you are thinking of taking up bell ringing or want to contribute contact Mary at mary.fox@bbc.co.uk