The Great Tey Bell Ringers

26th September 2026. The Great Tey Bell Ringers meet every Saturday morning for training at St Barnabas Church, which has 11th century origins. Dated before the Norman Conquest.

There are eight bells in the tower. The oldest bell was cast by Miles Gray of Colchester in 1626. Read more about the history of the church and the bells here 

Black-and-white photo of an old metal bucket with a wooden handle and tool inside, surrounded by antique machinery in a rustic workshop.
Two people practicing change ringing with striped church bell ropes inside a bell tower, beside a whiteboard and historic bell-ringing equipment.

Sarah teaches 17 year old Freddie how to put the bell into the ready position for his first time. This is called “ringing it up”. Freddie is one of the youngest members, he first joined as part of his Duke of Edinburgh award.

Black-and-white photo of a young man ringing a church bell while a woman watches inside a bell tower.

A mixture of ages, both men and women are all part of the Great Tey Bell Ringers. One of the members, Matthew, started bell ringing in this church, St Barnabus Church, when he was just 10 years old. Matthew is now in his 60’s.

Group of people gathered inside a historic bell tower room with ropes, fans, and a large wooden wheel
Black-and-white photo of three men handling bell ropes inside a historic church bell tower.

Matthew enjoys helping the newer members of the group, he has vast knowledge of bell ringing and the history of the church.

People ringing striped church bells inside a historic bell tower
Black-and-white photo of two men operating ropes inside a historic bell tower, with a whiteboard and church bells visible.

A lot of concentration is involved in remembering the patterns and ringing on time. It is a team effort.

Amidst the high levels of concentration, there are many moments of great humour and camaraderie. A group that clearly enjoy the social aspect of coming together and having fun in each other's company.

Three people laugh during a bell-ringing activity inside a historic bell tower, surrounded by ropes, clocks, and framed certificates.
Black-and-white photo of two adults laughing together on a wooden church pew.
Four adults ringing handbells inside a historic white-brick bell tower, surrounded by ropes, plaques, and a wall clock.
Black-and-white photo of two people raising their arms indoors beside a wooden staircase and photo collage.
Black-and-white photo of a person ringing a striped church bell rope inside a historic bell tower while others watch.

The stairs up to the tower are very steep and narrow, requiring members to be sure footed.

Black-and-white close-up of a person stepping through a rustic doorway in shorts, socks, and sneakers
Black-and-white overhead view of a person descending a narrow, worn wooden staircase.
Black-and-white photo of two people operating ropes and pulleys inside a brick-walled workshop.

You can read more about the history of bell ringing here