At the 2026 Essex Course, I presented a lecture on belfry maintenance. I have presented this talk for several years, adding and modifying the PowerPoint when I encounter an issue I have not discussed before.
I always emphasise the importance of not working in belfries alone, and applying sensible procedures. Many ringers like to fit muffles with the bells in the up position, simply because it is so much easier than when they are down. I do this myself. Under these circumstances, it is essential that there are at least two present in the belfry. It is good practice for one person to hold the wheel to ensure the bell remains in the set position, whilst the other person fits or removes the muffle(s). This is especially so for very light bells, which can easily be pushed off the balance, or large bells, which are light set and require the person fitting the muffle(s) to lean across the bell.
For maintenance, having two or more persons in the belfry is not only safer, but more practical, especially for passing tools and making notes of potential or existing problems.
Nigel Taylor
Association Master