About the ringing
St Paul's has a local band, taught from scratch at the
installtion of the bells in 2005, and comprising several members of
the congregation as well as ringers living locally within the city
centre and the suburbs.
The practice is well structured and provides opportunities from
learning to handle a bell right through to Surprise Major and
Royal. It is well attended by a broad cross-section of ages
and abilities.
Sunday ringing happens weekly for the main parish evening
service, and by further arrangement when there is a special service
in the morning.
Very effective sound-control is installed, making the bells
widely available for practice ringing and peal attempts.
Visitors are always welcome.
Access to the tower on practice nights is by the North door,
which is opened at 7.30pm and again at 8pm; the door has to remain
locked at other times.
About the bells
The bells of St Paul's are the newest ring in the city and were
installed in the virtually empty tower in 2005 to celebrate the
250th anniversary of the St Martin's Guild. Cast by Taylors,
the bells hang in a 2-tier fabricated steel frame, with the largest
two hung on top of the smallest eight. Clearly audible in the
ringing chamber, this delightful small ring of 10 is an invaluble
asset to Birmingham ringing.
The tower is home to the Birmingham School of Ringing and is
equipped with two dumbells and ringing simulators.
The tower has its own website.