Societies Directory

Cambridge University Guild of Change Ringers [CUGCR]

Fancy learning a art which:
- has been going for centuries but is still evolving and growing in exciting new ways?
- makes you an instant group of friends here in Cambridge or anywhere across the country?
- makes a lot of noise?
- is appreciated by musicians and mathematicians alike (but doesn't require you to be either)?

Come bell-ringing!

English Change Ringing has been practised in churches across the country for centuries - the CU Guild was founded in 1879 - and many people see it as a typically 'English' phenomenon (it often impresses internationals!), but it has a growing world-wide following, particularly in Australia and America; and though we still do practise in church buildings (because that is where the bells are still hung), there is certainly no need to be a Christian or a church-goer.

Bells are probably one of the most publicly audible musical instruments you'll ever have chance to play, and we do still ring them on a Sunday before the church's service, but our practice nights and various other ringing/social events throughout the year are a chance to get together and make a merry noise (all in the anonymity of the bell tower!).

But don't worry if you aren't musical! You'll soon see that ringing is more about settling into a rhythm (think riding a bike) than other aspects of musicality - let the bells take care of that. You don't necessarily need physical strength either, a good technique is far more useful.

And because, when you've learnt to ring you can go anywhere in the country with a ring of bells and get a warm welcome, there's a ready made group of friends waiting - and if you find a society anything like ours, they'll be keen to have you join in the social side of ringing (plenty of pub-going and dinner-eating). That goes for new students here - we're always especially eager to welcome ringing freshers who can bring their experience to the band, whether just started or with a few years under the belt.

Have a look at the website for the latest meeting times and events!

Events

There are no forthcoming events registered.

* Items marked with an asterisk [*] are required fields and must be fully completed.