The Technology of Bellringing

John Harrison


Regions:
Surrey, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire
Notice Period:
Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
Type:
Subject enthusiast, experienced speaker
Fee:
Unknown: Depends on the group
Category:
Science
Updated:
14th October 2022

Behind the familiar sound of English style bell ringing there is a special way of hanging bells so that they can swing full circle. The physics of a swinging bell is simple but to create a precision musical instrument that responds sensitively to the needs of its performer presents considerable engineering challenges, especially when the instrument may weigh a ton or more. In this talk I explain how ringing works and then describe the different parts of a ringing installation, as well as how they have evolved over the centuries and continues to evolve in the 21st century with the use of novel materials and new techniques. There are two versions of this talk, one for general audiences focusing on the evolution, and one for those interested in the detail of the technology. See: jaharrison.me.uk/Talks/#RingTechnol

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About John Harrison

My career was half as a Chartered Engineer and half as a chartered Ergonomics & Human Factors Consultant. My talks draw partly on that but more on my many other interests including: photography, fell walking, bell ringing, railways, bricks, human perception, maths ,... I have given around 250 talks to 100+ different groups. I'm based in Wokingham, Berkshire so limited to the surrounding area for in-person events (but online can be anywhere). Details of my talks are on my website at: jaharrison.me.uk/Talks


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