OS: SP230486
Alderminster, St Mary and the Holy Cross
The parish Church of St Mary and the Holy Cross, Alderminster is situated west of the A3400 and backs on to the River Stour. There is a small parking area on the South side of the churchyard adjoining the A3400.
The Church is cruciform in layout and access to the ringing room is via a spiral stone staircase the entrance to which is outside the South-east corner of the tower. It is a big tower and has plenty of space to ring the 6 bells. There are some small windows that provide natural light.
2010-07-24 [ expand ]
I visited for the first time on Saturday 24th July 2010 for the weekly practice of the Four Shires Guild of Bell Ringers. The lights were not working but since it was summer we decided that there was just enough natural light to enable us to ring. There were 10 of us there which gave plenty of opportunity to ring. I started by ringing up bell #5 followed by Plain Bob Doubles on bell #3. I rang the tenor a couple of times covering for Grandsire Doubles and St Simon. I completed a touch of Stedman Doubles on the treble which pleased me as this is something I am trying to learn but haven't had a go at for a couple of months. I ended the evening by ringing down bell #2. During the evening I rang five of the six bells and none presented any problems.
The Bells
The tower has a ring of 6 bells with a tenor weighing 12-0-26 in F. Dove's Guide includes details of the bells at St Mary and more information is provided by the Coventry Diocesan Guild.
