Church appeals for cash to replace bells

From the archive, first published Saturday 4th Dec 2004.

AA £110,000 appeal has been launched to replace the bells of St Helen's church in Abingdon -- and a new sound control system will reduce disturbance to neighbours during practice ringing.

The bells of St Helen's have been rung at services, weddings and local and national celebrations for 380 years without a break, apart from World War Two.

But the old oak frame that supports the bells is becoming unsafe and needs replacing, along with the bells.

Nearly £85,000 has already been raised towards the £110,00 appeal.

Helen Beaumont, of the Abingdon Society of Bell Ringers, said the bells were sounding old and the frame, built in 1764 of English Oak, was under increasing stress.

She said: "The frame has done its work well for almost a quarter of a millennium, but it has just about reached the end of its life. It cannot be patched or mended any more.

"Unless something is done within a few years it will no longer be safe to ring the bells."

The frame was designed originally for eight bells. Two more were added in 1885 but had to be hung above the existing frame.

There are 10 bells in the tower of St Helen's, the largest weighs nearly a ton and has a diameter of three feet. The lightest weighs 4cwt.

Mrs Beaumont said the bells were becoming more difficult to ring, particularly for learners because of the shrinking frame. The bells are heavier than necessary and have a poor tone.

She added: "We plan to instal a new cast iron frame and 10 new bells in the key of E, the tenor bell weighing 16cwt.

"We also plan to have an improved sound control system that will reduce the disturbance to neighbours during practice ringing.

"We will also convert the clock to electric winding and that will give more space in the ringing chamber."

Donations include a legacy from former bell ringer Edgar Humfrey, a grant from the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Bell Ringers, gifts from bell ringers in neighbouring towns and villages and four bell donors.

Work on the project is planned to start early in the new year.

For more information about donations to the appeal call Susan Read on 01235 529779.

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