Many of us will have heard the bells ring out at the Sidmouth Parish Church of St Giles and St Nicholas for Sunday worship, a wedding or funeral, or major national occasions such as the Queen's Jubilee celebrations in 2022.

But what goes on behind the scenes in the bell tower? How do bell-ringers train? And could you become one of them?

Sidmouth has had a church on its present site since the 13th century. With the town growing during the 19th century, a rebuild of the church proved necessary although the 15th-century tower remained. A few bells were housed in the tower at the time of the Reformation which by the late 1800s had been augmented to a peal of eight. In 1972, this peal was recast and made heavier with the heaviest bell weighing 183/4 cwt. Two lighter treble bells were added in the early 1990s to make a fine peal of 10 bells.  One remaining 15th-century bell is hung ‘dead’ beneath the other 10 and is often heard chiming before the start of a service.

Bell-ringers climb 45 narrow steps to reach the ringing chamber. Practice is weekly for Sunday services and other events.

Sidmouth Herald:

The Rev Jon Rose, a ringer since he was aged 11, said: "There's no requirement to be a member of the congregation to become a bell-ringer and all can learn the skill.

"A sense of rhythm helps, but you don't need any musical background. However, learning to ring a bell does require time and commitment. It takes about 20-25 hours to learn bell-handling skills, and a further three to four months to become competent in ringing with others. But there's a great sense of teamwork and we enjoy supporting and encouraging each other."

Sidmouth Herald:

Sue King has been bell-ringing for six years: "I've tried a lot of hobbies, and bell-ringing is my favourite by far," she said. "It's a complete workout – it keeps your mind working, it's physical, it's therapeutic and enormous fun. I'm addicted to it! The group is very friendly and welcoming and so is the wider bell-ringing community."

Annie Ashton, who has been ringing for 18 months, said: "Bell-ringing was on my bucket list and I'm so glad I took the plunge and got involved."

Sidmouth Parish Church welcomes prospective new bell-ringers. To find out more contact tower captain Anne Bailey (01395 515380) or Rev Jon Rose (01395 512094).