Return of church bells finally rings true

Buy photos» Bell hanger Bill Berry guides one of the bells up into the tower at St John-in-Bedwardine Church. Picture by Nick Hands 4311033NHR. Order this picture at www.buyphotos247.com

Tim Clarke

26 October. Updated: 27 October 08:57

IT HAS taken more than two years of hard fund-raising but a promise to bring back the sound of church bells in the heart of St John's is finally about to ring true.
After months of painstaking restoration work the bells of St John-in-Bedwardine Church were re-installed in the bell tower this week. Restoration work began back in February to repair extensive damage to the tower's oak beams, caused by an infestation of wood-boring death watch beetle.
It had been hoped the work would be completed in September but a closer inspection revealed the damage to the tower was more extensive than first thought. Bell hanger Bill Berry carefully set about reinstalling the church bells in their frame this week, marking the final chapter in a project expected to cost well excess of £200,000.
Church vicar Reverend Christopher Stuart said the bells, which have not been rung in St John's for four years, could be heard again within the next two weeks.
"There's almost a sense of disbelief if I'm honest," said Rev Stuart.
"It feels like it has been so long you almost dare not believe we have finally got there. I'm thrilled we have made it because it has been an enormous job. I don't think any of us realised just how complex it was."
The restoration project has been supported by a number of charitable bodies including the Heritage Lottery Fund which awarded it £50,000, and was backed by a huge community fund-raising effort.
The church is now keen to hear from anyone interested in becoming part of its bellringing team. For more information call 01905 420490.