Staplehurst Bellringers Report October 2026
News from the Tower
Until the early part of the last century, bell ringing, like many other physical activities of the time, was almost exclusively dominated by men. It was not until the outbreak of the First World War that women began to be seen regularly in church towers as their menfolk enlisted to fight the foe. However, things had begun to change a couple of years earlier in 1912 with the founding of the Ladies’ Guild of Change Ringers. The aim of the Guild was, and still is, to encourage women ringers to achieve their full potential in a friendly, supportive and developmental environment. The world has moved on, and fortunately bell ringing is now a totally inclusive pastime.
More than a century later, the Ladies’ Guild is still going strong and we are pleased to welcome them to ring our bells here at Staplehurst on Saturday 17th October from 3.30 – 4.30 pm.
On Monday 12th October we will be holding our monthly advanced practice from 7.30 – 9 pm. Otherwise, we will be ringing for the Sunday church services and our normal Tuesday practice evening. As ever, in the unlikely event of any additional ringing being arranged at short notice, it will be advised on our website at https://bells.allsaintsstaplehurst.co.uk/
Roy Barclay
Tower Secretary
