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The bell tower at St Mary’s Church, Ashwell houses six bells with five dating from the 18th century and the sixth added sometime in the 1850s. Conditions of the bell frame and a defect in the bell tower meant that the bells had not been used for full circle ringing since the 1970s.
In February 2022 a test ring confirmed that extensive work would be required before the bells could be rung again, and due to the expense this entailed an application was made to the Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers’ Bell Fund which exists to assist churches in the preservation of redundant bells; the repair, restoration and augmentation of existing bells; the provision of new bells and other work directly associated with the repair, restoration, augmentation or provision of bells.
Thankfully In July 2023, after receiving confirmation of funding and faculty approval the work began in earnest, headed up by tower captain Louis Totaro.
The first job was to remove the facade of the bell tower to gain better access and remove the bells – not an easy task when there is no instruction manual or plan to work from! Removal of the bells required the installation of lifting equipment and wooden beams and a great deal of physical effort. Five of the six bells came out relatively easily with only the final ‘treble’ bell causing some problems owing to never having been fitted correctly when installed in the 1850s.
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The bells were delivered to Taylor’s Foundry where the bells were restored whilst work was also carried out in the bell tower to provide a suitably sturdy framework for the bells to be remounted onto.
The bells have now made a joyous return to the church where they are rung frequently for everyone to enjoy.
Church bells are so symbolic of the life of the church and the nation and with the national events such as the coronation there has been an increase in the numbers of people learning to ring in recent years. It is predicted this will put increased pressure on the Bell Fund, which relies on fundraising activity and an affiliation scheme with parishes in the Diocese.
Please consider whether your parish is able to support this vital work this year by making an annual contribution.
For further information or to arrange a subscription, please see the Bell Fund webpage or contact PDG treasurer, Chris Fitzgerald treasurer@pdg.org.uk