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This section contains information about the worship and services at St Peter's. Times of Services has the times of regular services. Some of the Sermons preached during the last month and the News Sheet, with information about the coming week's services, may be downloded. For more information about any of the groups or activities listed on this page please contact the Parish Office or see the noticeboard in St Peter's. |
Ringing the changes
Have you ever wondered where this everyday expression comes from? It’s a bellringing term regarding the way bells change position to produce the unique sound of English change ringing.
The Art and Science of bellringing has been developed in England
over the past three centuries. Communities had always used bells to advertise services,
celebrate happy occasions, warn of disasters such as invasion, and even in medieval
times to act as an aid to travellers to find a safe haven at night. Bells in those days
were hung with their mouth downwards and chimed. Then about 300 years ago, an
enterprising Englishman decided that if a bell was mounted on a wheel and swung 360
degrees, it would be more manageable and the musical possibilities were exciting and
endless. English change ringing was born.
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Here in Hersham we have 8 bells, the heaviest weighing 8 cwt. This means we can ring over 40,000
changes without repeating one. The Science involves the various methods we ring and the Art is how well
the band work together to provide a good music to listen to. Anyone, with a little training, can do it.
It’s like riding a bicycle - once learnt, never forgotten. We ring for services, weddings and the
occasional peal to celebrate important occasions such as the Queen’s Jubilee last year. Practices are
on a Tuesday evening from 7.45 - 9.00pm.
Why not indulge the Scientist or Artist in you, and come and join us - you are always very welcome. |
There are 40 members of the Bible Reading rota which covers the lessons at the 10 am and 6.30 pm Sunday services.
Workshops are arranged to help members improve their reading skills and those held in 2001 and 2002 resulted in significant improvements in standards.
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The Music Group provides musical/vocal support to worship twice a month at the 10 am Sunday
services and on other occasions such as major festivals, the Memorial Service, and the Crib Service.
The group is always seeking to introduce new pieces in a range of styles to enhance the musical life of the Church. New members, singers and musicians, are always welcome and practices are held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 11.30 am. |
Our team of sidespeople is essential to the smooth running of services, welcoming people to Church, setting up before and clearing up after. The rota covers the main Sunday services at 8 am, 10 am and 6.30 pm and also other major services.