Rehanging The Bells  

A summary report on the condition of the bells is available by clicking on this link.     Summary Report

The summary report provides detail on the general condition of the bells. In addition to the dilapidation of the bells there are other issues affecting the installation. The current ringing room position is closer to the bells than ideal. The result of this is an excessive sound level in the ringing room and bell handling difficulties caused by the sally being drawn onto the wheel. In addition, the closeness means that there is not enough draught to draw the ropes into a good circle. The clock mechanism is also hindering the rope positioning.

The poor rope circle results in some ropes being too close and the ringer of the 4th bell not being able to see the 6th bell properly. Handling difficulties are a safety problem for novice ringers and there have been minor injuries and near misses caused by being caught on an adjacent rope or loss of control of a bell.

The installation of a new ringing gallery will overcome all these issues and is part of the bell rehanging project proposal. A picture at the bottom of this page simulates what a gallery installed at the west end of the church might look like.

Current rehanging proposals awaiting approval

Retain the existing oak frame.
Tune existing treble to form new number two. Recast existing number two to become new treble.
Cast in crown staples cut away, drilled out and entirely removed.
Turn bells to present a new face to the clapper.
Fit new clappers and independent crown staples.
Replace all headstocks, wheels, stays, sliders, fixtures and fittings.
Fit new heavy duty double row self aligning ball bearing races housed in cast iron plummer blocks.
Install new steel foundation beams.
Drill new and larger rope holes through bellchamber floor. Fit new rope bosses. Provide new ropes.
Draw ropes into good circle in existing ringing room using pulleys and flapper boards.
Create new gallery at height of 9 - 10ft above ground above West door but below West window.
Gallery to be glazed but ventilated. Blinds are required for both sides.
Storage requirements for church, choir etc.

Click on the thumbnails below to download full size pictures.

Bells being removed in January 2007

Tenor bell. The middle picture shows the clapper and slider. The right picture shows the cast-in staple that must be removed.

The Treble (left) and the number two bell.

The bearings. In use since 1936.

The clock mechanism.

This picture demonstrate how a ringing gallery could be incorporated into the church.

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