This is a rare opportunity to discover more about Littlehempston church’s five historic bells. Drop in anytime from 11 to 3pm to explore the bell tower and what bells mean to Littlehempston in an exhibition in the church. Maybe have lunch and … back a bell! Listen to our bells ring along with 100 other bell towers that will ring out all over Devon on this day to celebrate this ancient tradition and the centenary of the Devon Association of Ringers. Littlehempston bells will ring at around 1.30pm.
At this family friendly celebration, you can:
• Climb the tower to visit the ringing chamber, then climb even higher to see the bells.
• Have fun with bell themed games and a drawing competition for children. Make a greetings card.
• Browse an exhibition telling the story of each of our bells. The oldest one is over 600 years old!
• Listen to the Littlehempston bells, and learn which is which.
• Be amazed by fascinating facts about this ancient communications system. Did you know that if somebody died, the bell tolled out their age to send the news out through the parish?
• Have a go at ringing the handbells (there may be an opportunity to try ringing the big bells).
• Enjoy a range of delicious food (soup, ploughman’s and cakes).
• Sponsor a bell A rare chance to be part of local history!
BACK A BELL How often in life do you get the opportunity to sponsor a bell? New ropes are needed for all 5 bells at a cost of £250 each. We’ve already raised £165 per bell, so each bell needs £85 to get it chiming again!
If this appeals, just choose your favourite bell and make a donation of whatever size. Not sure which to sponsor? Don’t worry – there’ll be lots of opportunity to listen and choose. Imagine – every time Littlehempston Tower rings out, you’ll be able to say “There goes my bell”. And you’ll get your name on the list of sponsors in the ringing chamber.
SALLY COLOURS No, not an embarrassed local. If you don’t know what a sally is, why not come along and find out? Each sally will have the same 3 colours – but how to choose?
Take a look at the range of colours on offer, then make your choice! The combination with the most votes wins! The aim is to have the new ropes in place by the end of the summer.
If sponsoring bell ropes doesn’t appeal, just come along and find out more about what the bells have meant to Littlehempston over the centuries. (And there’s cake … )
HOW TO BACK A BELL If you’d like to be involved, but can’t come on the day, get in touch with Ali Taylor and let her know whether you want to sponsor all the bell ropes or one for a specific bell (Treble, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Tenor). You can donate by bank transfer, cheque or cash. Click on this link to: e-mail Ali, phone her on 01803 865058 or write to her at Tor Orchard, Littlehempston, Totnes, TQ9 6LW.