Glossary #

As with any technical subject, bell ringing and bell hanging has, over the years, developed specialist terms some of which are unique to ringing and others which have particular meaning when applied to ringing. Some other technical terms may not be familiar to ringers. We hope to have included all of these here. They are linked from the text in the various chapters. Items appearing elsewhere in the glossary are shown in Bold.

ART #

Association of Ringing Teachers. Organisation involved with all aspects of teaching ringing. Further details on their website.

CCCBR #

Central Council of Church Bell Ringers. The Council is the representative body for all who ring bells in the English tradition with rope and wheel. Founded in 1891, the Council today represents 65 affiliated societies, which cover all parts of the British Isles as well as centres of ringing in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, South Africa and Italy. These societies in turn comprise the members of the local companies of ringers in their areas. Further details on their website.

Church of England #

Church of England. The established Christian church in England and the mother church of the international Anglican Communion. Further details on their website. Over 95% of towers containing at least three bells are in the Anglican Communion.

PCC #

Parochial Church Council. The principal function, or purpose, of the PCC is defined as “promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church”. The PCC is a charity governed by two pieces of Church of England legislation, called Measures. Further details on their website.

SMWG #

Stewardship and Management Work Group of the CCCBR. To support ringers, the owners of bells, and other interested parties in all matters relating to the care of bells, ringers. Further details on their webpages.

Tower Authority #

The legal term for this is “Controller of Premises”, it doesn’t matter who specifically, but this could be the PCC, Dean and Chapter, a charitable group, or an individual who is legally responsible for the building. Technically it is incumbent on the Controller of Premises to ensure all regulations are compiled with, but they should also support the ringers if things are not available.

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Disclaimer #

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, neither contributors nor the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers can accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any activities undertaken based on the information provided.

Version 1.1, March 2023