St Mary’s Bells Appeal Update – May 2012
May 2012
As part of our fund raising programme for the restoration of our ancient bells the Netherbury Guild of Ringers will hold an afternoon of sponsored church bell ringing from noon until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday 5th May. Through the generosity of many villagers and pledged financial support we have so far raised £21,400 against an estimated cost of £50,000. Please join us in the tower for refreshments and to sponsor our appeal for the restoration of the Bells of St Mary’s. For more information please contact Glen Bishop (01308 488764 or gys.ca.bishop@gmail.com) or Graham Hawkins (01308 488466 or graham@ghawkins9.wanadoo.co.uk).
January 2012
While there is little to report on physical progress with the restoration of the bells of St Mary’s, we have enjoyed considerable interest and support for the bells appeal. With your amazing gifts of money and with generous support from the Friends plus pledges of additional donations the fund now exceeds £20,000!
A very big thanks you to all who have donated whether directly or by supporting recent village events that have raised funds for our bells appeal. It’s a wonderful start but fund raising will continue as we still have a long way to go. In addition to future village events, gifts may be made in cash or by cheque, payable to Netherbury PCC, to Steve Adams, who will place them in our new Bells Restoration Fund opened within the Church of England Deposit Fund. At least there our money will earn a little honest interest!
Bell ringing continues with practice on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm and ringing for selected services and Christian festivals, and weddings of course! If you are interested or would like to arrange a visit to the tower please phone Graham 488466 or Steve 488994.
November 2011
The Bells Appeal was officially kicked off at a presentation held in the Village Hall on Saturday 19th, November. A good turn-out of about 30 attended the meeting where The Reverend David Baldwin introduced informative presentations by Glen Bishop, Steve Adams and Graham Hawkins. Topics covered (Bells Restoration Project ) included, a review of recent inspections and contractor estimates, a description of how the recommendation to proceed with a full refurbishment was arrived at, the £55,000 cost estimate and the funding approach both within the village and at the charitable grant level.
An interesting overview (Bell Photos) of St Mary’s bells and bell ringing (we are ready to take on more learners) concluded the presentations and provided greater background for those who had not yet ventured into the bell tower (if folks are interested a visit can be arranged – please let Graham (488466) know if you would like to participate in a tour).
Following the presentations there was a good question and answers session with positive input and suggestions for fund raising ideas from the audience. In addition Simon Bareham, Treasurer of the Friends, indicated that the Friends had agreed to pledge £2,000 towards the appeal with the provision of an additional 20% of future funds raised by their activities. Overall, it was a positive start to this challenging initiative about which you will be hearing much more over the next several months.
In the meantime, if you were unable to attend the meeting but are interested in helping with the appeal, please contact Steve (488994), for further information or alternatively print the attached Pledge Form (Netherbury Bells Pledge Form) , complete it and send it to Steve.
Footnote: Thanks to Sam Pearce, Beaminster Council for the loan of a projector, Charles Jullens for loan of a laptop and Chrissie Adams and her helpers for the serving of coffee and cakes.
November Launch
Saturday 19thNovember, 10:30 in the Village Hall - To launch the Netherbury Bells Restoration Appeal. Please come and support us. Complimentary coffee & cake while you listen to a presentation about this unique project. Auction of The National Trust Complete Traditional Cookery Book. Join the Appeal Fund and be part of the action! Pledge your gift to future generations. Meet the ringers for an understanding of the ancient English art of church bell ringing. If you can’t make the meeting but wish to be involved please phone Steve Adams on 488994
September 2011
Having taken advice from the Diocesan Bells Advisor the PCC has decided our bells must be fully restored and they have appointed a sub-committee to manage this project under the chairmanship of the Revd David Baldwin.
The good news is that the oak frame constructed by Harry Stokes of Woodbury in 1906 is in good condition, but the bells need repair and re-tuning with new ringing fittings and that means all six bells must be removed from the tower. There is of course a cost implication to this and while grants will be available we will need your help and support in raising the majority of the funds.
The sub-committee is studying the three competitive quotes obtained from specialist bell engineering companies and further announcements will be made over the coming months.
The sound of bells across an English village is unique and a most important part of our heritage here in Netherbury. We very much value your thoughts and interest in the project and for more information or to arrange a visit to the tower please contact, either Steve Adams 488994, Glen Bishop 488764 or Graham Hawkins 488466 our Tower Captain. Steve Adams
