This year, we celebrate our “Nelson”.
The bells were installed 111 years ago.
A recent report from the bell hanger indicates that some significant work is needed if our eight bells are to ring out for another century.
… And so we are setting out on a project to restore these notable bells to their former glory…
The headline costs are as follows:
(All costs are approximate)
Urgent Works
(1) Clapper Repair (£240 per bell)
The clappers needed to be refurbished. The striking surfaces of the clappers were flattened and the “hinges” were loose. The action of the clapper grinds away the inside of the bell.
(We have done this urgent work. We just need to sort out how to pay for it!)
(2) New Ropes (£240 per bell)
Not only were our ropes becoming worn, but we also had no spares in case of a break.
The ropes needed to be replaced.
(This was urgent, so we have bought these. Like the clappers, we need to sort payment!)
Major Works
(3) Quarter Turning (£825 each)
80% of the safe thickness of the bells has been worn away. We need to turn the whole bell through 900 to provide a new strike point.
(This involves completely dismantling each bell installation, lifting it out of the frame, turning it and then refitting to the headstock with new bolts and fittings.)
(4) Bearing overhaul (£240 per bearing or £480 per bell)
The sealed bearings have been in place since 1987 and the grease is wearing out. They need to be cleaned out and repacked with new grease.
(5) Painting the Frame (£1,850 per bell)
All the ironwork to the bellframe and ringing fittings needs to be thoroughly cleaned down and descaled before being primed and then painted with two coats of enamel. This needs to be done while the bells are lifted out of their frame.
(All these works need to be done at the same time)
Other works
(6) Wheel replacement (£900 one-off)
The large wheel is a vital control mechanism. One wheel (on the 5th bell) has begun to break up and it needs to be rebuilt with a new steamed ash rim and elm “shrouds”
(7) New Pulley (£270 one-off )
The bell ropes run over a series of pulleys. One is worn and has become oval. It needs to be replaced.
(This is less urgent and could be left to a later date)
Some grants are available – and if there are two able-bodied people who would help the professional bell hanger, then all these costs would be dramatically reduced (by up to 40% for some jobs). Could you help?