An inspection of the bells in January 2024 revealed several faults that need to be rectified.
While some of these faults are not immediately urgent, they need serious attention before they become a problem that renders them unringable. The urgent shock was the discovery that the worn clapper bushes are actively causing damage to our fine bells.
Urgent Works
- Re-bush the clappers to prevent further damage to the bells.
- Replace our worn-out bell ropes.
These two projects needed to be dealt with quickly. The clappers were damaging the bells and some ropes were in danger of failing. Details are on the individual item pages.
Both of these jobs are now completed – though they are included in our appeal. The money to pay for them had to be “borrowed” from elsewhere!
Major Works
- Lift and turn the bells through 900 (“Quarter Turning”).
- Renew the main bell bearings.
- Clean and repaint the bell frame.
These are all significant challenges and are listed on the Individual item pages.
Other Works
- Rebuild a damaged bell wheel.
- Clean and treat the rusting fastenings on the other wheels.
- Replace a worn rope pulley box.