Accidents in bellringing are few and far between due to the care of those teaching, and the regular maintenance of the bells we ring. With 5000 ringable towers in England (approximately) and regular ringing I have heard of hardly any incidents in 30 years of ringing. However, accidents do (very very rarely) happen and the ringers of Kilmersdon in Somerset had had a close call on Tues 5th November when the gudgeon pin on the tenor sheared, sending the one-tonne bell into it’s pit. Unfortunately as it landed it pushed one side of the frame which it shared with the 5th bell shattering the 5ths bearing housings. The 5th fell through the belfry floor coming to rest on beams in the clock room/ringing chamber ceiling, but not before sending part of the wooden ceiling onto the ringing chamber floor. No-one was hurt in the incident except for someone triipping as they made their way (no doubt quickly) down the stairs. The bells were made safe by qualified bellhangers that evening and repair work is underway. For pictures refer to The Somerset Guardian
Please note this accident is very rare and should not put you off ringing! Gudgeon pins link the bearing and headstock so are very important and are made of a thick piece of metal. They are rarely looked at closely except during a rehang as they usually cannot be seen unless the bell is removed from the headstock.
