HOW poignant the bells of Worcester Cathedral sound when ringing on Remembrance Sunday.

It wasn't merely the sombre sound of half-muffled clappers, but an added dimension of poignancy a musician would recognise as a harmonic minor key.

Change of key in church bells is most unusual and was certainly unique to Worcester Cathedral in my ringing days.

Here, three half-tone ringing bells - as well as the two-and-a-half ton stationary Bourdon bell - augment the fine ring of 12 bells.

The three half-tone bells were intended to increase the range and repertoire of the tune-playing apparatus, until Cathedral ringers found additional possibilities.

Now, ringing in a minor key has become a noteworthy feature to mark the passing of the old year, and on sad occasions such as Remembrance Sunday.

Bell-ringing is taken for granted, and our Cathedral ringers will no doubt be pleased to know their special effort is recognised and appreciated.

JOHN HINTON,

Victoria Avenue,