Organisations

The bells are rung to summon people to worship each Sunday morning prior to the 9.30 Eucharist and for special services, as well as occasional quarter peals.

The bellringers' practice is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Monday, and most of the first hour is devoted to teaching beginners. New recruits are always needed and are made very welcome. No musical knowledge is necessary, and almost any reasonably fit person from age 10 to 70 would be capable of learning to ring.

Why not come along any Monday evening? Find out what it is all about - and then if you are interested in learning you can give it a try without any obligation to continue if you decide that it is not for you. If you do decide to take it up, the only requirement to ensure your success is regular attendance. Here is what some of our learners sound like on a Monday evening!

We are affiliated to the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers www.yacr.org.uk Here are the 1896 Rules for Bell Ringers! (1.3Mb file).

Contact: Alex Magson on (: 01439 770412 or any member of the ringing team.

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The Bells

It is believed that the tower of All Saints, Helmsley was built in the 12th or 13th Century and, in all probability, there would be bells there at least by the 16th Century. The original 1770 bells by Pack & Chapman were hung on a crudely built timber bell frame; over the years, a number of these bells were recast, including the tenor by Robert Stainbank in 1868. In the 1970's, further ringing was declared to be unsafe because of the poor condition of the bell frame, and its excessive movement was damaging the tower fabric. The bells that were themselves in poor condition were removed in 1987, and seven of them were recast by Taylors of Loughborough. Another bell that had been used in the clock tower at Naburn Hospital was purchased and became No. 7 in the new ring of eight.

Click on an image to enlarge it

They were hung on a new steel frame lower in the tower where the walls are sturdier, and rung for the first time on 27th April 1988.

The tenor bell in F sharp weighs exactly 15 cwts. It is inscribed: David Senior - Vicar Alexander Magson, Gordon Dale Churchwardens 1987 "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Rejoice and sing praise"

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The Clock

The turret clock in All Saints' was made by John Moore and Sons of Clerkenwell, and dates from 1868; it chimes the quarters with a characteristic tune - The Guildford Chimes. These chimes are played automatically by a rotating barrel, triggered into operation by the clock. Projecting pegs on the barrel trip levers that connect by wires with the chiming hammers; these strike the stationary bells on the outside.

The Guildford Chimes, which require eight bells, were composed by George Wilkins, organist of St Nicholas Church, Guildford, and were first used at Holy Trinity Church, Guildford, in 1843.

In addition to All Saints', other places with Guildford Chimes include:

You can even purchase a new Grandfather clock with Guildford Chimes installed!

A detailed discussion on the musicality of Guildford Chimes (and other chimes) can be found here.