Ring the Bells

Bryncoch residents were treated to an unexpected session of church bell ringing last Thursday morning. Peals rang out from the tower of St Matthew's Church at Dyffryn courtesy of a visiting team of bellringers. Calling themselves 'The Rinkgly Ringers', the visitors had travelled from mid-Devon for a week's tour ringing bells at a variety of South Wales churches. Their hour-long visit to Dyffryn church was sandwiched between Cadoxton church, where they started their day, and was followed by visits to Aberdare and Merthyr churches. The group may have named themselves ironically with an eye to their mostly retired status but bell ringing is not for slouches. The art of campanology demands both strength and timing and some fine peals were rung by the visitors. What a privilege it is that the sound of bells is heard at Bryncoch and other Neath district churches because of bellringing devotees like these.

Report by Jeff Griffiths

Photos will appear in a later edition.