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The 130ft high spire contains six bells with a tenor weighing 8cwt. One (late 15th early 16th century) is inscribed in Latin "St John the Baptist, Pray for Us". Three others date from the early 17th century, including a bell dated 1647, inscribed "God Save the King RS". This was a brave act of loyalty by a Sneyd to a King who was soon to be beheaded. (Details given above taken from "A Guide to the Parish Church of St John the Baptist", available in the church). There is an active band of ringers including both students and members of the local community. In addition to their participation in regular Sunday and practice (Wednesday) ringing, the band are active members (and in two cases officers) of the North Staffordshire Association of Change Ringers (http://www.nsacr.org.uk/). Keele bells are very suitable for teaching, and the Keele Ringing Centre has received recognition from the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers (http://www.cccbr.org.uk/index.htm). Training events held at Keele include a regular learners' practice every Tuesday evening, North Staffordshire Association training days several times a year, and two weekend ringing courses in August each year organised in conjunction with the University Department of Continuing and Professional Education. If you would like further information about ringing at Keele, please contact the tower captain, Phil Gay (phone: 01782 750038; e-mail: phil.gay@btinternet.com).
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Far, far away, like bells at evening pealing,
Frederick William Faber, 1854
the voice of Jesus sounds o'er land and sea; and laden souls, by thousands meekly stealing, kind Shepherd, turn their weary steps to thee.
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