Mini Rings

Mini rings are a modern development, in bell ringing terms. They are as the name suggests; a mini ring of bells. The earliest types of mini ring came around the mid 20th century, and have since been developed, improved and are much more common. They can be found all across the country, and an up to date database of all mini rings and campaniles, as well as dumbbell and simulated rings can be found at: http://www.campaniles.co.uk/directory.html

Many mini rings are named using the word 'campanile', the Italian translation of 'belfry'. Other mini rings use the name 'ring', the term used amongst bell ringers to describe a complete set of tuned bells. I currently am in ownership of four mini rings, two of which are currently operational. The details of each of the rings can be found below, as well as up to date information on the bells, ringing performances and the history of each of the campaniles.

All 'ringing information' below, correct as of 11/09/2024.

Horsted Keynes, The Campanile

8 bells, 19lbs 8oz in D.

Ringing information:

The Campanile was previously known as The John of Gaunt Ring whilst it was hung in Aylsham, Norfolk. It was the home of the Society of Aylsham Campanile Youths from 2022 - 2024.
Moved to Horsted Keynes, Sussex in August 2024.

Aylsham, The Chanctonbury Campanile

12 bells, 0-1-00cwt in G. Ceramic bells.

Ringing information:

The Chanctonbury Campanile, has been hung in two locations. Housed at Ainderby Steeple until 2004, it was then moved to Washington in Sussex where it gained 'Chanctonbury' to it's name. In each of it's locations, a peal of Bristol Surprise Maximus has been rung on the bells. The bells were put into storage in Somerset until 2022, when the ownership changed and the bells were put into storage in Aylsham. A number of the bells are cracked and will require replacement. 

Aylsham, Bellflowermews

6 bells, 3lbs 5oz in F#. Ceramic bells.

Ringing information: 

The Bellflowermews have been hung in 5 locations. First hung in Tewkesbury as a ring of 4, they were moved to Stoke Orchard where they were augmented to 5, then moved to Haywards Heath where they were augmented to 6, and then moved to Horsted Keynes, before moving to their current location at Aylsham. The tenor cracked in 2023, and was super-glued back together, recovering its strike note and hum. 

Aylsham, St Walstan Campanile

4 bells, 3lbs (approx) in E. Servant bells.

Ringing information: 

The St Walstan Campanile are currently in the care of James Joynson of Joynson Model Bells, for their hanging for change ringing. For a couple of years, their condition has been unknown and attempts at making contact for an update on their hanging and condition have not been successful. The current state of the bells is unknown to the owner.