Central Council of Church Bell Ringers: Functions and Heritage
The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers serves as a cornerstone for the coordination and preservation of bell ringing traditions. Much of the Council's operational work is conducted through specialized committees, ensuring that the technical and administrative aspects of the craft are meticulously managed. Every September, the Council convenes for its annual meeting to discuss major policy decisions and review the reports submitted by these committees.
Key Facts
- Annual Meetings: Held every September for policy decisions and committee reports.
- Dove's Guide: A comprehensive database featuring over 14,000 buildings and 60,000 bells as of October 2023.
- Rolls of Honour: Established in 1921 to commemorate over 1,000 ringers lost in the War.
- Library Transition: The Central Council Library is moving to the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust.
Preserving Memory: The Rolls of Honour
The Council maintains a solemn record of those who served and perished. During a meeting in London in 1921, the names of more than 1,000 ringers who died during the War were read aloud. This event led to the institution of the first volume of the Rolls of Honour, a record that has since been expanded through extensive subsequent research.
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Dove's Guide for Church Bell Ringers
One of the Council's most vital resources is Dove's Guide, a specialized database of church bells and towers. Originally published as a book in 1950 by Ronald H. Dove, the guide was transferred to the Council's administration in 1994 and later transitioned to an online format.
As of October 2023, this expansive resource provides detailed information on over 14,000 buildings and 60,000 individual bells, making it an essential tool for practitioners of campanology (the study of bells).
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The Central Council Library
The Central Council Library houses a significant collection of literature dedicated to bell ringing and campanology. The foundation of this library began in 1920 when the Cambridge University Guild donated the ringing books of Sir A.P. Heywood, who had passed away in 1916.
Evolution of Library Stewardship
The library has been managed by a succession of dedicated librarians and stewards over the decades:
- Rev. C.W.O. Jenkyn: The first librarian.
- Rev. Bernard Tyrwhitt-Drake: Succeeded Rev. Jenkyn.
- Wilfrid J. Hooton: Served as librarian following Rev. Tyrwhitt-Drake.
- Frederick Sharpe: Appointed in 1953; a noted writer on the historical aspects of bells.
- Frank Perrens: Served from 1958 to 1968.
- William T. Cook: Elected in 1976, overseeing a period of rapid growth. By his death in 1992, the library had over 2,000 catalogue entries.
- John C. Eisel: Succeeded Cook in 1993, at which point the title changed to Steward of the Library.
- Alan Glover: Incumbent since 2011, previously housing the library at his home in Shropshire.
At the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM), it was officially agreed that the library would be transferred to the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust.
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Summary of Council Resources
| Resource | Origin/Start Date | Key Detail/Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Rolls of Honour | 1921 | Commemorates 1,000+ fallen ringers |
| Dove's Guide | 1950 (Book) / 1994 (Council) | 14,000+ buildings; 60,000+ bells |
| Central Council Library | 1920 | 2,000+ catalogue entries |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Council meet to discuss policy?
The Council meets annually every September to discuss major policy decisions and receive reports from its various committees.
What is Dove's Guide?
Dove's Guide is a comprehensive database of church bells and towers. It began as a book in 1950 and is now an online resource administered by the Council.
How did the Central Council Library begin?
The library was established in 1920 through the donation of Sir A.P. Heywood's ringing books by the Cambridge University Guild.
Where will the Central Council Library be located?
Following a decision at the 2023 AGM, the library is to be housed at the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust.
What is the purpose of the Rolls of Honour?
The Rolls of Honour were instituted in 1921 to record and remember the names of over 1,000 ringers who perished during the War.