We are pleased to say that our Bells Project has started.
Taylors arrived at the church on Monday 3rd March, with anticipation that the work could take up to a week. We thought it would be nearer 3 days, however with co-operation from the old fittings (clearly not as tight and rusted together as they could have been…), everything was down and the tower empty by Lunchtime on Tuesday!
The haulier came on Thursday, and by the time I’d arrived after the school run, there were 4 bells on the lorry!
So the bells are now with Taylors, and will be for possibly up to 6 months, so there is definitely no ringing on the bells at least until August.
There are lots of other things to do in the meantime – arrange cleaning contractors to clean the tower and clock room, finalise the arrangements for the Foundry visits, design pop up signs, arranging a talk on Bells and Bellringing – all part of the funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
We are also considering how best to turn the tower into a “Ringing Centre”. The simulator electronics have already arrived, so we need to best consider uses & locations of laptops/screens/cameras for use as a both a training aid, as well as for people wanting to see what’s going on up the tower.
Our handbells have also been delivered to Lewis for full refurbishment, and turning into a tune ringing set, and a change ringing set.
Practices will be a combination of sharing with Hickling tower (not far away, and have the same practice night), and organising our own band tower, at local towers, including some 6 bell towers. These practices we will be arranging on the SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH, and we will aim to advertise on Facebook where we will be.
Jonathan Dickenson
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