The Guildford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers

What is the fund for?

A ring of church bells is a complicated mechanical installation. Bells are heavy - some weigh over a ton - and periodically need new bearings, ropes, clappers and pulleys. A new bell installation ought to last 100 years, but interim maintenance is essential, and at some stage major work on every bell installation is likely to become necessary. In addition, the towers in which bells are hung and which are often much older than the bell installation may need repair to allow the bells to continue to be rung. The Bell Restoration Fund provides large and small grants and loans to contribute towards the costs of such work.

Where does the money come from?

About two thirds of the income to the fund comes from the ringers themselves: from their annual membership subscription, donations, collections and fundraising efforts. The other third comes from the generous support of Parochial Church Councils of the Diocese without which we would not be able to make such significant contributions to projects as we have done in recent years, and from interest on deposits.

How is the money spent?

The first major project, the rehanging of the bells at St Nicholas, Thames Ditton, received a grant of £1,250. More recent projects have seen quite substantial sums being spent. Some of the more recent beneficiaries have been:

• All Saints, Witley (£2,500) where the spire supports had collapsed; and (£10,000) to rehang the eight bells, recasting three which were of poor tone.
• All Saints, Crondall (£11,000) where the heavy and difficult six bells were rehung lower in the tower and augmented to eight.
• St Peter, Farnborough (£25,000) where the ancient wooden tower required major strengthening and stabilisation.
• At St Nicholas, Alfold (£10,000) the three bells became unringable in 1913. They were augmented to six and hung in a new frame lower in the tower.
• St John the Baptist, Puttenham (£8,000) where the wooden frame was strengthened and the six bells were retuned and rehung on new bearings.
• SS Peter and Paul, Godalming (£7,000) where the eight bells were rehung in the existing frame with new wheels, clappers and bearings
• SS Mary and Nicholas, Leatherhead (£4,000) where the ten bells were rehung in the existing frame with some new fittings

The fund has given a range of smaller grants for repairs, e.g. refurbishment of clappers and pulleys at St Andrew, Cobham (£1,500), similar work at St Bartholomew, Haslemere (£1,300) and refurbishment of bearings, clappers and pulleys at St John the Evangelist, Merrow (£2,500).

Over the years more than 30 churches have benefited from grants ranging from £25 to £25,000.

How much money do we need?

Over the last few years average income to the fund has been around £12,000 per year. Routine inspections and special projects lead us to believe we are going to need a similar sum over the next few years to meet anticipated demand. 

What else does the Guild do for bell restoration?

Knowledgeable ringers (some of whom are professionally qualified) will carry out inspections of bell installations, and, if required, draw up a full written report including recommendations on an appropriate course of action.

Many ringers assist on a voluntary basis in the practical aspects of maintenance and restoration work. This can save a parish thousands of pounds.

What else can you do?

Do you have a practical skill which could be utilised on a restoration project? Most of the work is done by ringers and other volunteers under the professional guidance of the bell founders and hangers.

Alternatively, you can support the Bell Restoration Fund. If you enjoy the sound of bells, you can help us by making a donation or even remembering us in your will.

For further details, advice or information, please contact our Bell Restoration Fund Administrator:

Stephen Darvill
Bramley
Surrey
(tel. and full address available from webmaster)

Please send any donations to our Treasurer:

Chris Rogers
Witley
Godalming
Surrey
(tel. and full address available from webmaster)

Cheques should be made payable to the Guildford DG Bell Restoration Fund. All donations will be acknowledged.