Heavy Metal: The Fellowship of the Ringers
An exhibition celebrating the History of Bell Ringing at Carlisle Cathedral
The Bell Ringers of Carlisle Cathedral are delighted to share their hobby, pastime, and passion at a new exhibition, entitled “Heavy Metal: The Fellowship of the Ringers” which opens on Saturday 16 May.
The exhibition will tell the story of the Cathedral’s new and ancient bells and the rich tradition and art of bell ringing. Visitors will be given an insight into the largely hidden world, with the bells standing almost 92 feet (more than 28 metres) above the Cathedral floor: seldom seen but often heard.
The primary purpose of the bells is to ring in service of the ministry of the Cathedral and diocese, but no national or civic event is complete without the accompaniment of church bells. For centuries the ringing of these bells has been an integral part of the fabric of the nation, and the team hope, through this exhibition, to be able to show visitors a little more about the bells and the people who ring them.
Bells have been hung at Carlisle Cathedral since at least 1292 and there is still one bell in the tower dating from 1401. Using themed and interactive areas within the South Aisle, the bell ringers will give visitors an insight into the history, design and development and technique of bells and ringing both nationally and within Carlisle Cathedral. There is an area planned to reflect the ringing room with its array of colour and the bell chamber (Belfry) showing how the bells are hung and rang. A TV screen will show you the bells ringing, other areas will be dedicated to the history of bell ringing and the bells of Carlisle and the surrounding diocese including the installation of the new millennium bells. Amongst an array of artefacts, a bell will be mounted and be available to be struck and a timeline will give a visual illustration of how deeply embedded bell ringing is in the history of the country. They will even have a set of mini bells that can be rang at certain times by visitors to demonstrate what happens upstairs on a much larger scale. Children will also be able to colour their own bells and ropes and there will be a “guess the weight of the bell” competition running throughout.
To accompany the exhibition, various events are planned, including Bell Tower Tours, Bell Ringing Taster Sessions and a special children’s activity for May Half Term – Climb and Chime – when children can visit the Bell Tower and make a windchime to take home. Dates, times and ticket information for these events can be found at www.carlislecathedral.org.uk/tickets.
David Steel, Tower Captain, said “We hope this exhibition will enable you to witness one of the great treasures of our beautiful Cathedral and demonstrate the intrinsic link between the church, society, and bell ringing. We consider it to be incumbent upon us to reflect the values of this Cathedral, being Unity, Truth, and Love. We also hope that we can contribute to the sustainability and development of bell ringing across the many bell towers and churches across Cumbria and the nation, as envisaged by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, Ringing 2030 initiative.
We hope you will be able to join us and enjoy this exhibition; you will all be very welcome and you will not regret visiting the splendour of our mighty Cathedral”.
The Venerable Michael Everitt, Interim Dean of Carlisle added “The bells of Carlisle reach beyond its walls, calling people to pray and assuring the city of our prayers. It is wonderful to celebrate all involved in this and their life and history.”
The exhibition will be open 10am – 4pm from Saturday 16 May until Sunday 14 June. Entry is free, though donations are welcomed.
