St Leonard's Sunningwell

A Campanologist is the correct name for a Bell Ringer, but very few ringers use it. They wish to be known as “A Church Bell Ringer” or simply “a Ringer”.

The bell ringers of St. Leonard’s are members of the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers which was formed in January 1881. The Oxford Guild is divided into fifteen branches.

Sunningwell are members of the Old North Berks branch which was formed in December 1920.The “Old” added to North Berks. after the 1974 county boundaries changed, when North Berkshire was moved into Oxfordshire.

The peal, now consists of 6 bells plus there is a small Sanctus bell, but until 1933 when the treble was added there was only five. The extra bell enables more methods to be rung.

The bells are fairly unique in that they go round clockwise, whereas most go anti clockwise.

The ringing chamber is reached by climbing up 4 steps to enter the tower then climbing another 39 steps to reach the door, then descending 8 more steps to the floor. (not for the faint hearted)

General information regarding the bells

The first peal was rung in 1928 on five bells and the first peal rung on six bells was in 1933 (we assume this was in celebration of the new bell (See dates below)

There have been many peals rung on the bell since 1933, in fact one of the most prolific peal ringers in the county was taught and rang at Sunningwell for many years until moving to Milton.

On the 24^th June 2007 Colin Turner rang his 5000 peal it was written for the occasion and he named it Honey, after James (Jim) Honey who taught him to ring 30 years earlier.

There are at present 9 persons at St. Leonards who ring regularly for Sunday service and weddings. Practice nights are held in conjunction with Radley ringers on Thursday evenings at Radley.

Contacts for Sunningwell ringers are:    Brenda Thomas 01235 520855  George Honey   01235 525586