Safety when in a tower and when ringing with a band is very important. Here you'll find some guidance, rules to follow, what to do if something goes wrong, how to tie up your rope, getting fit for ringing, and bellringing exercises for warm-ups! Read more ... and scroll down to discover additional details.
The tower captain tells you about safety and how to ring safely for your sake and the safety of everyone else in the tower (Coleman 2016). Safety is your responsibility. Visitors are also told about safety.
Even though 'ringing is far safer even than gardening, let alone playing sport. Safety is important ...' (Coleman 2016:288). Always remember that moving bells and moving ropes are dangerous so its safety first and always.
Remember that 'up above your head is a huge mass of metal weighing a quarter of a ton or more, and it's rotating through an entire full circle and back again every four seconds. The power is enormous, and downstairs, that power is manifested in the rope. So it's absolutely essential that you never get in the way of a rope, or get caught up in one' (Coleman 2016:292).
Some rules new bellringers are introduced to:
- When going into the ringing chamber, the ringing room, first ask and check if the bells are up or down. The safest place for a bell to be left is in the down position ready to be rung up. Until you know do not touch the bell rope.
- When others are ringing keep well clear. Do not wander between the ropes - could cause major accidents and it's a distraction to the ringer or teacher.
- Don't enter the ringing chamber if the band is ringing and especially if bells are being rung by the entry door. Wait until the ringers stop then come in. You don't want any part of you or your possessions to get caught up in a rope that is being rung.
- Feet on the floor at all times whether you are ringing, standing, or sitting.
- Always do exactly what the instructor tells you to do
- Keep tension on the rope when controlling the tail end otherwise the rope might come off and fall down on your head which you wouldn't want to experience!
- Everyone is responsible for safety in a bell tower to prevent injuries to themselves and others (visitors too).
- Keep the tower tidy.
- Keep the belfry safe and regularly maintained.
- Learn bell handling and control so that you do not break the stay or injure yourself or anyone else.
- Always concentrate fully when ringing, please don't switch off when ringing your bell or let your mind wander.
- Learn how to tie your rope after ringing (see below).
- 'the bane of the steeple keeper's life is replacing stay' so you'll hear about the stay and hear 'don't break the stay', but what does that mean (watch the video)?
What to do if something goes wrong?
Your instructor takes over immediately. He/she will loudly and forcefully say 'Let go!' Do exactly that, let go. If they say 'Mine' or 'I'll take it', let them do so immediately.
If ever your feet are leaving the floor and you find yourself being carried upwards, LET GO IMMEDIATELY even if nobody has said anything to you. Let go of the rope.
Bell control is very important:
your rope won't swing away if your hands always travel up and down in a straight line (Coleman 2016:23)
For everyone's safety, you must keep your rope under control. Ropes can swing out further than you would ever think!
Tie Your Rope Up After Rining
Tying Up A Bellringers Knot
Bellringing exercises the mind and body, watch the video and hear the stories (House of Wellness, Australia):
Lastly remember to breathe, relax, and enjoy making music and new friends.
