In some circumstances, our churches, and therefore the bells within those churches, face an uncertain future. Small and dwindling congregations in predominantly rural locations can mean it is not economically viable to keep the church open.
Where there are bells hung for change ringing in such locations, there is a risk that they may fall silent for ever.
One of the objectives of the guild is to promote an interest in the care of all bells in the Diocese. One of the ways in which we can achieve this aim is to provide some guidance to assist our members in retaining access to bells in churches that are no longer functioning as a place of worship on a regular basis. The Guild does not own any of the bells in the diocese and therefore must rely on a good working relationship with the Diocese & other bodies who may become the custodians of redundant churches and the bells within them.
The Guild will aim to maintain a register of the ownership status of all the churches within the diocese where there are bells hung for change ringing. The register will be updated at least annually and be available on the Guild website. The Guild will aim to update the guidance notes relating to a change in status of a church with bells, as is required.
You can download the full guidance document here:
Church Closure Project A guide for members – Oct2025
The current register of churches is here: