Why are St Sampson's Church bells ringing for the first time in 50 years?

The bells are ringing again after 50 years due to the installation of an automated system with electromagnetic hammers, as they were too fragile for traditional ringing.

How are the bells at St Sampson's Church controlled?

The bells are controlled by a small wall-mounted touchscreen system inside the church, which allows for pre-programmed chiming.

What was the cost difference between traditional restoration and the new system for St Sampson's bells?

Restoring the bells for full-circle ringing would have cost nearly £200,000, while the new automated system cost £40,000.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Cornwall Church Bells Ring After 50 Years, No Ringers Needed

Cornwall Church Bells Ring After 50 Years, No Ringers Needed

17 Feb

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Summary

Automated hammers now chime St Sampson's bells, silent for 50 years.
Five historic bells, some dating to 1698, were too fragile for manual ringing.
Electronic system offers pre-programmed peals for various liturgical occasions.

Cornwall Church Bells Ring After 50 Years, No Ringers Needed

After a 50-year silence, the bells of St Sampson's Church in South Hill, north Cornwall, are once again filling the air with sound. This medieval church has embraced modern technology to overcome the delicate state of its five historic bells, some of which were cast in 1698. The bells were deemed too fragile for conventional rope-and-clapper ringing.

Instead, each bell has been equipped with an internal electromagnetic hammer, allowing for "stationary electronic chiming." This automated system, controlled via a wall-mounted touchscreen, can deliver various pre-programmed peals for liturgical occasions. This innovative solution cost £40,000, significantly less than the estimated £200,000 required for full-circle ringing restoration.

The Truro Diocesan Guild of Ringers approved the use of this automated system. Churchwarden Judith Ayres highlighted the cost-effectiveness and ease of use, noting the bells are now programmed for regular services and can be tolled for funerals or played for weddings with a simple touch. Congregation members expressed delight and emotional responses to hearing the bells again after so long.

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