Clothall Church, nestling in the hills of North Hertfordshire, dates back to 1350-1370. There are two bells in the tower (known affectionately by some in the village as ‘Ding’ and ‘Dong”). Ding dates back to the 14th century while Dong is younger, dating back to the 16th century. They are used for services and also rung for occasions of national significance (the last time being for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee). The ropes were replaced in the early eighties when somebody stole them to use as a tow-rope when their car broke down.

For further information I recommend this website:
www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=43608

There’s a choice of bells in our local Church
There’s Ding
And there’s Dong
The bells either ring
Ding             Dong             Ding             Dong
Or
Dong             Ding             Dong             Ding

For weddings they are both guests
Ding             Dong             Ding             Dong
Or
Dong             Ding             Dong             Ding

For funerals Ding has a day off
Dong tolls alone
Dong                        Dong                        Dong                        Dong
Leaving a pause should Ding decide to return

Strangely Ding never works alone
You never hear
Ding            Ding            Ding            Ding
I wonder why?

There’s a choice of bells in our local Church.

© Baldock Bard