photo of the Hallow Parish Church of St Philip and St James
OS: SO828579 show on a map

Hallow, St Philip and St James

Hallow Parish Church was completely rebuilt in 1869 and must be the newest church that I have rung bells in. It is situated at the southern edge of the village. Starting from the inside of the tower a long climb up a spiral stone staircase is required to access the ringing room. Since the church is new the steps are very even so it isn't a difficult climb. The ringing room is a nice large room with plenty of space for ringing the 8 bells. It also houses a large clock mechanism.

I visited for the first time on Wednesday 9th May 2007 and was made very welcome. I started by ringing up bell #4 and followed this by ringing bell #7 for Plain Hunt on 7. The bells sounded really good and were surprisingly easy to ring. I then sat out while they rang some Grandsire Triples which I found a little disconcerting. This is a big tower on a pretty new church and I could really feel the tower moving while sitting watching and listening to them!

After describing my limited repertoire they got me to ring bell Plain Bob Doubles on the back 6 bells. I rang bell #3 for several plain courses and then they added bobs with me as the Observation bell. The theory says that the observation bell is unaffected by bobs because the work performed is unchanged. In practice it was hard work but I just about managed with some guidance from an experienced ringer who came to my assistance. This experience makes it clear to me that while I have learned to count my places I've still not learned to exploit the other cues such as passing the treble. However, it was good experience and really enjoyed the ringing. They were a very talented bunch of ringers and very welcoming to me.

The tower has a peal of 8 bells that were cast by John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough.

BellNoteDiameter  Weight ?  Inscription
1E28½"5-2-14 With FAITH ... We praise THEE.
2D29½"5-3-21 With HOPE ... We bless THEE.
3C31½"7-0-2 With Charity ... We worship THEE.
4B34"7-3-18 With JUSTICE ... We glorify THEE.
5A37½"10-0-27 With PRUDENCE ... We give thanks to THEE.
6G39½"11-2-23 With TEMPERANCE ... We magnify THEE.
7F43½"14-3-19 With FORTITUDE ... We call unto THEE.
TenorE49"21-2-17 With PRAISE

The Worcestershire & Districts Change Ringing Association have additional information on the Hallow Parish Church of St Philip and St James.

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