The Rack is a light peal of six bells, tenor 3lbs 6oz in the key
of B-flat, hung for full-circle change-ringing in our house.
Details of the bells
| Bell |
Founder |
Diameter |
Weight |
Note |
| Treble |
Taylor |
5¼" |
1lb 5oz |
G |
| 2nd |
Taylor |
5¾" |
1lb 13oz |
F |
| 3rd |
Mears |
6½" |
2lb 7oz |
E-flat |
| 4th |
Mears |
6¾" |
2lb 11oz |
D |
| 5th |
Mears |
7¼" |
3lb 0oz |
C |
| Tenor |
Mears |
7½" |
3lb 6oz |
B-flat |
The bells were originally hung by Bob Parker of Taunton, as a
portable ring, and have made several public appearances. They were
taken to Glastonbury Tor to score the first quarter peal in that
tower, and while first in Birmingham during 1992 were pealed:
Cambridge Surprise Minor, double-handed.
After several years without use, the bells were recovered by
Matthew Higby, and taken to our previous home in Towcester where,
after some essential repair work, they were hung in a permanent
location during December 2000. After we moved to Great Barr
the bells were reinstated in 2006.
The bells are based on a set of handbells, size 24 in B-flat.
Being an early "mini-ring", their hanging is somewhat different to
the modern rings by Matthew Higby: the bells a tucked-up and have
fairly small wheels, though the turning speeds are similar. This
does make them considerably harder to handle, though with a little
practice they present no problem to anyone experienced with
mini-rings in general. The fittings are now very worn and
require repair or replacement in order to give the bells a new
lease of life: a project for the summer months!
A few peals have been rung on the bells. Details may be
found here (from the peals.co.uk website).
Michael Williams maintains a directory of all known
mini-rings.