Welcome to the Bells of St George's Anglican Church
The only ring of English Changing Ringing Bells in all of France.
While St George's Anglican Church was constructed in 1911, the bells of St George's didn't arrive until over 100 years later in 2019.
The only ring of bells of their kind in France, come hear their unique style of ringing and learn more about the magical sounds of Change-Ringing. We ring Saturdays and Sundays. You're also invited to learn how to ring and join St George's local band, Bellicampane! Read on to learn more. À bientôt! |
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Join Us!
Curious about English Bell ringing? We invite you to come join us!
Come Hear the Ringing
Come listen to the bells as we practice or play before Sunday Service.
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Learn to Ring
Want to learn the magical art of English Bell Ringing, called Change-Ringing?
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Learn about the Bells
Learn about the 10 bells of St George and how they arrived in Vernet.
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Come Hear the RingingYou are welcome to pop in and listen to our practices on Saturdays at 17:00 or the service ringing Sunday mornings from 09:15 - 9:50.
Saturday visits allow more time to greet you and discuss the bells. Or you can enjoy listening to the bells in the quiet before Sunday morning services. Contact our Tower Captain to arrange a special visit outside these times. |
Learn the Art of English Change-Ringing Bells
Join our band, Bellicampane!
Through a specific configuration of the wheel system, English change-ringing bells produce uniquely charming musical pieces that are created as a band of ringers manages their ropes, directed by the Tower Chief.
If you'd like to see what you think and maybe even join our ringing band, we offer free and expert lessons, in French or English, on change-ringing bells. With a bit of dedication, you too can learn the enjoyable art of change-ringing! Stop in during a Saturday practice or contact our Tower Captain to learn more. |
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Learn more about the Bells of St George'sA unique sound and part of Vernet-les-Bains Anglo-Franco heritage, the bells of St George's ring out for everyone Sunday mornings and on special occasions. You may hear them ringing out as you stroll the cobblestone streets of Vernet-les-Bains or as you pass by on a scenic hike.
Read on for a brief introduction to the bells and make sure to visit our dedicated bell website at VernetBells.com for much more information. |
Cast, delivered and installed by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough England, the bells of St George's had a long journey before they first rung in our bell tower in April 2019.
Originally envisioned by accomplished ringer and Vernet-les-Bains denizen, Catherine Ladd in 2011, the bells project would only start in 2017 after a renovation that would to bring an abandoned St George's back to use. Sadly, Catherine died before being able to see the fruits of her efforts, however her husband and other local ringing enthusiasts took up the effort following the renovation.
A true team effort by the end of it; local and UK supporters, Vernet-les-Bains' mayoral administration and many other donors, all worked to bring English bells to the bell tower of St George's Anglican Church.
The project was a labor of love that St George's wishes to share with everyone.
Originally envisioned by accomplished ringer and Vernet-les-Bains denizen, Catherine Ladd in 2011, the bells project would only start in 2017 after a renovation that would to bring an abandoned St George's back to use. Sadly, Catherine died before being able to see the fruits of her efforts, however her husband and other local ringing enthusiasts took up the effort following the renovation.
A true team effort by the end of it; local and UK supporters, Vernet-les-Bains' mayoral administration and many other donors, all worked to bring English bells to the bell tower of St George's Anglican Church.
The project was a labor of love that St George's wishes to share with everyone.
Meet the 10 Bells of St Georges
These are the 10 bells of St George's, graciously donated by supporters home and abroad.
- CATHERINE, given by her family and friends in memory of Catherine Ladd
- LADY CONSTANCE, given by her parents in memory of Catherine Ladd
- TREVELYAN, given by Phil & Gwen Rogers in memory of Catherine Ladd
- ABBEY, given by Abbey Runners, running and ringing friends in memory of Catherine Ladd
- HARRY, given by his wife and family in memory of Harry Winter
- DUNSTAN, given by Peter and Angela Newing
- ROGER, given by his wife and daughter, ringing friends and Leeds University Society in memory of Roger Green
- DAVID, given by their son in memory of his parents, Lancelot and Elizabeth Barrington
- BRANDON, given by Durham University Society in memory of Catherine Ladd
- JEFF (5-0-15 in C), given by her husband in memory of Catherine Ladd
St George's 10 Bells, 5-0-15 in C, are the second lightest ring of ten in a church in the world.
UNIQUE IN FRANCE
Founded in England and brought to Vernet-les-Bains, the ten bells at St George's are the first change-ringing bells in France, only the third ringable peal on mainland Europe, and mainland Europe's first ring of ten.
We hope to see you soon!We invite you to come enjoy and even take part the fascinating past-time of English Change-Ringing at St Georges.
If you have any questions about the bells or wish to visit, please contact the Tower Captain. Pictured: Local artist, Yvette Baillaye, presents her work commemorating the bell's arrival to Vernet.
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