THE Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, has lent his support to a campaign for an annual day to promote bell-ringing.

Churches are already being urged to Ring for the King to mark the Coronation on 6 May (News, 13 January); but now the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers has declared 14 May to be Bell Sunday.

Dr Smith, a ringer for more than 55 years, said that it was a great opportunity to celebrate the part played by bells and ringers. “I hope as many towers as possible will join in. There are plans to open up towers to the public, so visitors can watch the bells being rung — and perhaps even sign up to learn the ancient art of bell-ringing. With over 6000 rings of bells in the UK, they can be heard in virtually every community in the land.

“And now the youth group with their ringtones”“As well as ringing to call people to worship, bells have always been rung at times of celebration and mourning, and have been a notable feature of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and will play a major role in the Coronation of King Charles III.”

Last weekend, Dr Smith joined the ringers at St John the Baptist, Royston, in Hertfordshire, during a rededication service to mark the completion of a four-year restoration after fire damage.

Bell Sunday is to be the closest Sunday to 19 May, the feast of St Dunstan, an 11th-century Archbishop of Canterbury who experimented in bell forging. The Central Council’s spokeswoman, Vicki Chapman, said: “With co-operation between church and bell-ringers, it may be possible to be involved in a service on the day, from reading lessons, giving a talk instead of a sermon, playing handbells, singing bell-related hymns, [and helping with] readings and prayers — even bell-shaped biscuits served with after-service refreshments.

“It is hoped the day will raise awareness, emphasise the importance of the sound of bells in our communities, and how it can help bring Church and community together, strengthening relationships between clergy and bell-ringers.”