Tradition Meets Modern Wellbeing

Bellringing is one of Britain’s oldest living traditions, but it’s far from old-fashioned. Step into a tower and you’ll discover a hobby that blends physical exercise, mental challenge, and community spirit. And in Oswestry, the bells of St Oswald’s Church carry centuries of history that make the experience even more special.

 A Workout in Disguise

Controlling bells weighing hundreds of kilos is no small feat. Bellringing builds strength, improves posture, and gets the heart pumping. Some ringers describe it as ‘exercise without the gym’, a way to stay active while enjoying the rhythm of the bells.

Sharpening the Mind

Beyond the ropes, bellringing is a mental workout. Ringers learn complex sequences called “methods,” which demand concentration, memory, and rhythm. It’s like solving puzzles in motion, keeping the brain sharp and engaged.

The Bells of St Oswald’s, Oswestry

St Oswald’s Church has a proud bellringing tradition. The tower currently houses eight bells, with the oldest dating back to 1717. Over the centuries, the bells have been recast and rehung to improve their sound and reliability. In 1890, a major restoration saw several bells replaced, and further work in the 20th century ensured the ring remained one of Shropshire’s finest.

The bells are not just instruments they’re part of Oswestry’s identity. They’ve marked weddings, funerals, national celebrations, and local events for generations. For many, the sound of St Oswald’s bells is the heart of the town.

 Community and Connection

Bellringing is as much about people as it is about bells. Towers like St Oswald’s welcome newcomers, offering training and encouragement. Ringers often describe the friendships they form as one of the greatest rewards of the hobby.

About The St Oswald Ringers

At St Oswald’s, our ringer’s range in age from 11 years old upwards, proving that bellringing is truly a hobby for all generations. We come from all walks of life; students, professionals, retirees, and everything in between but what unites us is a shared passion for the sound and tradition of bellringing.

It’s this love of ringing that brings us together week after week, creating a team that thrives on friendship, teamwork, and the joy of keeping a centuries-old tradition alive.

Why Try It?

Bellringing combines physical fitness, mental challenge, and social connection, all wrapped in centuries of tradition. At St Oswald’s, you’re not just learning a skill; you’re joining a living history, helping to keep the sound of Oswestry’s bells ringing out for future generations.

Future Focus

We would like to add two modern “training bells” to make teaching new ringers easier. This should be particularly good for younger and lighter people to get the basics of bell handling before moving on to the real, 200kg bells. This project will cost us over £7,000 so we are busy fundraising!

Get Involved

Interested in joining or learning more?

  • Contact Brian Rothera, Tower Captain, for details on practice times and how to get started – oswestry.bellringers@gmail.com
  • Connect with the community via the Oswestry Bell Ringing Facebook page and don’t forget to like and follow to stay updated on events, news, and ringing opportunities.