Bell Ringing in the Belfry at Buckfast Abbey, Devon

General ringing being rung at Buckfast Abbey, on Sunday 4th February 2024.
Buckfast Abbey, 12 Bells. Tenor: 41-1-3, in C. dove.cccbr.org.uk/tower/15476

[@RingerThomas]

Thanks for posting!

[@RingerLuca651]

Well that was lucky!

[@equine_stuff1591]

We rang at Buckfast in the Devon 10-bell competition last April- the bells are superb outside but the tower metalwork does affect the internal acoustics. David Pike

[@Steven_Rowe]

I find it rather odd they have a flat 6th and also a sharp second as this means you get two light 8s with either the 9th or8th as the tenor. I think a flat 6 and an extra treble would be better to give a light 10 with 9th as tenor.

[@jasnfinlay]

Unpopular opinion here: I am not at all blown away by these, and never have been. I just think they’re a bit boring. Yes I will admit I have never rung there, but there are some far more spectacular 12’s in the same weight category from comparisons I have made on KZbin, Bow being the main one I can think of. I think the acoustic issues in the ringing chamber probably don’t help Buckfast either… They’re good bells, but a bit dull!

[@RingerThomas]

Perhaps the recording quality hasn't been good of them?

[@simonbellringer]

@@RingerThomas I agree entirely with Jason (and I have rung here, as you know). They just don't sparkle, there's no real shine, or character, that make them stand out. They are good, without ever quite reaching excellent or awesome (which is a shame really, considering the age and founder). No, they aren't helped by a low draught, poor internal acoustics and an awkward rope circle. There is a plethora of good enough footage on KZbin, and to be fair the sound quality in this video is pretty decent (even if some of the ringing isn't amazing), so I don't think that is the problem.

[@RingerThomas]

@simonbellringer Ah, right. I've not rung there, so I can't comment. But I know that others don't rate them as much as Pier Head or Leeds Minster, for example.

[@francescogreenslade7793]

Funnily enough I feel the same way about Bow!

[@user-sn1qx1tm4l]

the highlight here is hosanna

[@JamesJoynson]

Shame we weren’t allowed to ring it when I was there, otherwise I would’ve included it in the video.