With reference to the letter from Mandep Sohal Rice (Your Letters, June 3) concerning the ringing of the Malvern Priory bells, I would like to thank all those readers who kindly responded in support of the continued ringing of the Priory bells.

The ringing of the Priory bells is part of the traditional activities of the Christian church and religious worship in Malvern. Bells have also rung for royal and national events. Malvern Priory dates from 1085 and the ringing of bells has been part of daily and weekly church services for hundreds of years. The oldest bell at Malvern Priory dates back to mediaeval times, with others dating from 1350, 1611, 1706, 1707 and 1887.

The regular ringing of Malvern Priory bells continues the uniquely English art and tradition of church bell-ringing, which has become part of English culture. The dedicated band of bell-ringers at Malvern Priory regularly practice and ring for church services, weddings and funerals, giving their time voluntarily.

The English art of church bell-ringing is based on "methods" with each bell following a set path with each of the other bells. It usually takes about a year to learn to become a competent ringer, with the majority of ringers continuing to ring for the rest of their lives.

Trevor Still, honorary secretary, Malvern Priory Ringers.