Ringing on a bell heavier than you are used to will help you to develop a good handling style. 

The wheels on heavy bells are usually larger than those of light bells so there is more rope around the wheel. You will need longer strokes to accommodate this additional rope – this is why heavy bells are often rung standing on a box. Adjusting the length of the back stroke rope and catching the sally at the appropriate height so that your arms go up fully is very important.

Being able to correctly control the speed of a heavy bell taking into account its slower, natural rhythm means you will need to anticipate more than usual what you want the bell to do, as compensating for over- or under-pulling can be hard work.

Don’t be afraid to ask an experienced ringer to stand with you when you ring a heavy bell for the first time.

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