What do bellringers do when they’re not ringing?

Dusting the bells

A drop of light dusting!

Not satisfied with the exercise they get ringing the bells, the Priory Bellringers ascended the tower today, armed with a vacuum cleaner, brooms, brushes, cloths; no mean feat in itself!

It was time to give the ringing chamber an autumn spring clean and sweep down the spiral staircase. Meanwhile the bell chamber was swept and dusted, too.

For those of us who are not bellringers, it’s a fascinating world of sallies, headstocks, clappers, something many of us know precious little about.

So next time you’re going to a service, or passing by the Priory when the bells are being rung, give thanks for our bellringers - the sound of the Priory literally ringing out over our town.

And as for dust. Well, that’s the same wherever it settles!