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St John the Baptist Church, Layer de la Haye - Bell ringing

Church Road, Layer de la Haye, Colchester, Essex, CO2 0EW

  • 20 Sep 2026
  • | In person
  • | Pre-booking not required
  • | Workshop

You are invited to come along to a church tower near Colchester to see a demonstration of ringing, meet our ringers, and maybe have a go yourself in a safe, friendly environment.

The 14th-century bell tower at St John the Baptist Church in Layer de la Haye will be open for visitors to find out about the world of bell ringing. What is a sally and a tail? And how do you ring church bells? Our bells date back centuries: our oldest bell was made in about 1461.

The Essex Association of Change Ringers (EACR) connects and supports a vibrant community of bell ringers across Essex and East London. Operating as a registered charity, we help local towers maintain their historic bells, look after our ringers' well-being, and provide training for all skill levels. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced ringer, you will find a welcoming band and a supportive environment right on your doorstep.

Bell ringing has echoed across our communities for centuries. Founded in 1879, the Essex Association of Change Ringers unites local towers, protects historic bells, and standardises ringing methods. We proudly preserve this traditional, living art form, passing the skill from generation to generation. Change ringing is a unique team activity, traditional musical art, and mental puzzle rolled into one. Instead of playing melodies from sheet music, a band works to get works together to ring church bells in shifting mathematical patterns. Dating back over 400 years, this living tradition brings communities together, filling the air with sound.

Timings

Sunday 20 September:
1400-1600

Location & directions

Church Road, Layer de la Haye, Colchester, Essex, CO2 0EW

Directions:
What three words location is ///draw.unable.hats

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

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