Wellington Combined Society of Bellringers
Ringing Festival Registrations now open
Wellington Combined Society of Bellringers
Nau Mai - Welcome
The Wellington Combined Society of Bellringers is a charitable organisation responsible for ringing church bells in the city of Wellington, New Zealand, for services, weddings & funerals, and to mark special occasions or days of national significance. Formed in 2015 from the unification of the Wellington Cathedral Society and Old St Paul's Guild of Bellringers, we are dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient art of bell-ringing so that future generations have the opportunity to learn this unique craft and enjoy the sound of bells for many years to come.
What We Do
Our members currently ring at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul and Old St Paul's, as well as on the John David Mini Ring. We are also lucky to have several sets of handbells. We practice an ancient craft known as Change Ringing, which was developed in England around the 16th century. The bells are hung on wheels and swung by rope until they are facing upside down, then rung from balance point to balance point, enabling small but precise changes in timing. However, we do not ring traditional tunes due to the length of time it takes for the bell to swing - instead, we ring methods, where bells move in a set pattern and at a maximum of one place at a time, producing different 'permutations', known as changes, hence the name. These methods are completely memorised - you are not allowed to have physical aid during ringing, which is what makes bell ringing such a fun mental exercise! Click here to learn more about the art of change-ringing.
How You Can Get Involved
Learn to Ring the Bells
Looking for a fun and unique hobby and interested in preserving an ancient art, why not give it a go? Find out more below, or get in touch with us.
Visit Us
Whether you're a visiting ringer, curious member of the public or wanting to give ringing a try, we welcome you to visit us at our towers.
Donate
Please consider donating to assist us with training recruits, bell tower maintenance, and fundraising for events, projects and more.
Our Officers
Dylan Thomas
Society Ringing Master
Ruth Lightbourne
Secretary
Colin Saxelby
Treasurer
Dylan Thomas
Steeple Keeper
Paddy Fletcher-Dobson
Old St Paul's Tower Captain