Bell Ringing at Monkton, Kent

Video dedicated to all the people who lost their lives 18 years ago in the 9/11 attacks.

One of the first rings on the recently augmented ring of 6 at Monkton in Kent. The bells were augmented just before Christmas however the church closed soon after for the building of a new ringing gallery (which would later never be used) and kitchen/toilet facility. The church was opened for our visit but was closed the following day to allow for work to continue.

The first thing I should say, of which the whole band agreed, is that they are very loud in the ringing room. This is because is was intended when the augmentation was taking place that the bells would be rung from the purpose built ringing gallery. However the ringers didn't like the idea of being able to be seen while ringing so it was decided at late notice to move the ringing room upstairs. This means they are almost deafening in the ringing room however this would be corrected in the future.

Because of this late change of mind, access to the ringing room is by means of a very long ladder. Which trying to get up one handed whilst clutching a camera in the other hand is not recommended.

Still work to be done so don't make any final judgements as of yet.