Bath University Society Change Ringers

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There is no student ringing society in Bath, but all towers in the branch are very happy for students to join their ringing. Below is a guide to central towers in Bath which are the most suited to students:

Bath Abbey – (10 bells: anti-clockwise, 33-0-25) Monday 19.30-21.00, Sunday 10.30-11.30

Bath Abbey is a very active tower, and in recent years many students have found a home there. The current Ringing Master, Matthew Goodship, is a current University of Bath student himself.

The Abbey has a historic anti-clockwise ring of 10 bells, mostly dating from 1700. While the heavier bells are challenging, the front six are relatively easy-going and all abilities are catered for. Ringing on Sunday morning and at practice night ranges from rounds and call changes to Grandsire, Erin and Stedman Caters, Little Bob Royal and sometimes Surprise Royal. There is also a silent learners’ practice (using the simulator) before the main practice, from 18.30-19.30. We always go to the pub after practice, and (for those not staying to the service) Caffe Nero after Sunday morning ringing.

The ringers’ entrance is on the opposite side of the Abbey to the Roman Baths, adjacent to the taxi rank; the door is next to a plaque commemorating the coronation of King Edgar in the Abbey in 973 AD. Please be aware that on Mondays this door is locked 10 minutes after the start of the practice.

Blessed Virgin Mary, Bath, Bathwick – (10 bells, 18-3-20) Wednesday 19.30-21.00, Sunday 0915.10.30 (by arrangement)

Bathwick is another active tower and has historically also been very welcoming to students. The Secretary is Molly Waterson, a former University of Bath student.

The bells are generally easy-going, and ringing ranges from rounds and call changes to Grandsire, Stedman, Surprise Major and sometimes Surprise Royal. There is a monthly Surprise Royal quarter peal attempt, either on a Tuesday evening or a Sunday afternoon. Sunday morning ringing usually consists of a quarter peal attempt, usually made up of those present and willing from Wednesday’s practice.

The entrance to the ringing chamber is through the blue door nearest the roundabout and up around 30 steps.

Christ Church, Julian Road – (8 bells, 13-0-4) Saturday 09.30-11.00, Sunday 0915.10.00

Christ Church is a friendly and welcoming tower with probably the easiest-going bells in Bath. They are a modern ring of 8, mostly dating from 2014. The Tower Master is Will Willans.

Unusually, the practice is on a Saturday morning, and is followed by coffee and CAKE of exceptionally fine quality. Ringing ranges from rounds and call changes to standard methods. There are also learners’ handling sessions for novice ringers.

St Michael’s Without – (8 bells, 14-1-9) Sunday, 10.05-10.30

St Michael’s has probably the best-sounding bells in Bath, and while not the easiest to control, can be very rewarding. There is no regular practice, but there is normally morning ringing on Sundays which fits neatly in the gap between ringing at Christ Church and the Abbey. There are also regular quarter peals, including a monthly Surprise Major attempt.

The ringing chamber is accessed via a steep ladder, and access from the outside is through the main public entrance on the side nearest to Waitrose.

Bristol – only a 10 minute train journey away, so their many practices are easy to get to. The UBSCR is a very active student society & are very welcoming towards Bath students.