Walpole St Andrew Church bells underwent maintenance so they can ring once again
The bells of a village church will ring once again after several hours were spent replacing the ropes.
Bob Cox and a representative from the Ely Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers have got the bells of Walpole St Andrew’s redundant church ringing once again after spending four hours working away in the confines of its tower.
The bell ropes were changed for newer ropes which are on loan from St Peter and St Paul Church in Wisbech.
They also discovered why there is a missing ‘beat’ when the clock chimes on the half hour – there was a clapper missing which could not be located.
Mr Cox said the bells are now in good order, and if they are rung once a month and at Christmas they will remain in working condition.
There are six bells in the tower. The first and second date from 1763, the third from 1603, the fourth from 1792, and the fifth from 1622. All were restored in 1902.
In 1905, the bells were tuned and the Tenor bell, number six, was presented in 1905 as a gift from Miss L Townsend in memory of Queen Victoria.
They all bear inscription. Bell four is dedicated to churchwardens Charles Boon and Robert Tweed, and made by Thomas Osborn of Downham.
The first real test will be on December 2, between 10-11am, when volunteer bell ringers will spend the morning ringing and helping novice ringers to practice.
The event is being advertised as a ‘have a go day’, so if anyone wants to have a taste of campanology they can go along to Walpole St Andrews Church to meet Bob and fellow enthusiasts.
On the day, there will also be a Christmas tree festival where every class in the Anthony Curton School will donate a tree.
Any businesses interested can also display their own trees if they donate £5.
This event is organised by the Friends of Walpole St Andrew, but the Churches Conservation Trust is charging £250 for the use of the building – so all donations will be gratefully received.
There will also be craft stalls, a burger bar and teas and coffees available.
