On a recent visit to the bell tower at St Mary’s Church in Liss, Shine Radio stepped into a world of rhythm, rope and remarkable community spirit.

As the bells rang out overhead, Laura Sheppard spoke to members of the Liss Bellringers - including some of their enthusiastic youth ringers - about what keeps them climbing those tower steps week after week. Of course, there’s the skill and satisfaction of learning to ring: mastering timing, listening closely, working together to create intricate patterns of sound. But what truly shone through was something even more powerful.

Camaraderie. Friendship. Generosity of spirit.

From experienced ringers supporting beginners, to young people discovering a tradition that stretches back centuries, there’s a deep sense of belonging in the tower. It’s a place where encouragement is freely given, laughter echoes between peals, and everyone pulls together - quite literally - to make something beautiful happen.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of practice night at St Mary’s Church, this feature captures not just the sound of bellringing, but the warmth and welcome of the people behind it.

Have a listen and discover why, in Liss, bellringing is about far more than bells.