SIR - It must be very confusing to someone who is not a bellringer, but it is not necessary for a bell to ring for its sound to be heard.

For example, a stationary bell may be struck by a chiming hammer and that is known as a chime.

A bell may swing to and fro and that is known as tolling.

A bellringer has learned the art and skill of turning a bell in a full circle thus maximising tonal qualities and that alone is known as ringing. That is why when our mayor claims certain bells have not been rung for so many years he may well be correct even though their sound may be familiar to an undiscerning public.

Over the centuries, certain words in the English language have acquired meanings not originally intended.

JOHN HINTON, Worcester.