Are you looking for an instant circle of friends – or maybe even someone to ring your bell? When I started learning to ring church bells a couple of years ago, it was the search for a hobby and the musical side of the tradition that inspired me to take it up.

Had I known it was such a sociable pastime and such an easy way to make friends, I would have started bellringing years ago.

In fact, the social side – aka, the pub – is almost as important as the bells themselves.

Southampton City Ringers (SCR) is the city’s organisation for bellringing enthusiasts who regularly ring at St Mary’s and St Michael’s Churches in Southampton city centre, and at the Church of the Ascension in Bitterne Park.

Despite bellringing’s obvious preconceptions – and all those oh-so-predictable jokes – SCR is a very sociable and predominantly young group.

Southampton University also boasts a thriving student ringing society, Southampton University Guild of Change Ringers. Many past members have stayed in the city after finishing their courses, boosting the number of young ringers.

As well as learning “methods” (tunes on bells) together and discussing all things ringing, there are the novelty ringing tales – such as, “did you hear about that time Johnny forgot to let go of his rope and hit the ceiling?” and other such exaggerated stories. Ringers always have plenty to talk about.

Believe it or not, bellringing is highly addictive.

I put it down to the constant challenge of learning more, as you can never know everything, as well as the great sound you can achieve if all goes well.

It is also – despite the fictional tale above – totally safe, provided you are taught to handle the ton-ish bell swinging above your head properly.

It is also a good way of getting some light exercise and fending off those dreaded bingo wings.

And you don’t have to be a regular churchgoer to join in.

The majority of SCR are seldom found taking a pew on Sunday mornings, preferring instead to gather for a chat and a well-deserved fry-up after the early morning service ringing.

A visit to the pub is also a must after the weekly Monday night practice, and regular socials such as meals, nights out on the town, and an annual tour make it impossible not to make friends.

And, as they say, love can be found in the strangest of places, and Southampton’s resident bellringing club is no exception.

It’s not just Quasimodo you can find up the bell tower.

Traditionally, many ringers meet and marry fellow enthusiasts, and several young couples in Southampton have found love through their shared passion for bells.

And what better than having your best mates ringing at your wedding?