Wow what a fuss and to think here in Western Australia our government spent millions on a glass bell tower to house a set of 14th century London church bells that now ring every hour. I think bells ringing out across the rural countyside is a traditional aspect of local history that attracts tourists. Otherwise why would we spend millions on them here for that very purpose. It amazes me how much history is in the UK and how much it is taken for granted. Tourism is a hugh industry and with the Mad Cow disease, US attacks, Bali bombings, SARS and terrorist alerts every other day many are realising just how important a industry it is these days as numbers of tourists drop to never before seen levels and as the money they bring into a country dries up. The things that attract us English descendants and many ex pat Brits as well as peoples from all over the world to visit the UK are the old traditions, the heritage, the atmosphere. I'm sure many would prefer a traditional bell ringing on holiday, when many of us are living under a airport flight path, near a busy city commuter rail line or near busy heavy traffic roads in hugh cities where the general busy city noises are constant and loud. It's the differences compared to where you live that making holidays interesting. Why change things to be like everywhere else. Wouldn't be any point in visiting Dorset then if it was like back home. I saw a show recently where a English town closes it's streets to play a ball game through the centre of town for a day. Now you dont see that everyday. I guess some though would no doubt complain about that tradition as well. What other great traditions are there in Dorset towns. I for one would love to hear about the sorts of things our ancestors thought nothing of as common everyday things. Hearing about them might just entice some to visit Dorset soon one day <g>Id Great about the praying in the field 'angelus' bit Geoff. Wonder how many times my ancestors went down on their knees on recently plowed dirt to rest their weiry bones a bit and pray. They must have been thankful for that tradition. No lunch or coffee breaks back then, couldn't just go for a quick smoke I'm sure. The farmer would have sacked them on the spot. Must have been back breaking work starting at sun-up and finishing at sun down in all sorts of weather. Definately makes you respect the hardships our ancestors went through to create our pampered lifestyles today. regards Michael Cheeseman Member of the X-Generation or is it a dot.comer anyway a traditionalist/history nut and mad scientist (odd mix I guess) --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.488 / Virus Database: 287 - Release Date: 5/06/03