ST. LAURENCE'S CHURCH |
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SUMMARY OF WORK CARRIED OUT After ringing stopped at the end of June 2005 work started on the whole project. The ringers removed as much as possible from the bells and frame. Wheels, sliders, stays, bracing etc. all came down. Scaffolding was erected around the tower and Wilkins started work on enlarging the traps, putting in lifting beams and restoring the pinnacles. More work was needed on the steps than had been anticipated and this held up the whole project. The clock was removed at the beginning of July. The scaffolding was removed just before Christmas 2005. On Monday August 8th 2005 the six bells were removed and transported to Whites of Appleton by Haines Ltd. For photographs click here. The tenor bell was weighed at Whites and noted as being 14-0-14 cwt rather than the 15½cwt that we thought. During the week beginning September 12th this bell was tuning by Whitechapel Bell Foundry and now weighs 13-0-16 cwt. Most of the old bell frame (except for the side on display in the tower), bell wheels and other assorted fixings and fittings were sold to swell the funds (raising £1720) and are appearing around the district in various forms. Garden benches are proving popular as this example shows. On Saturday December 3rd 2005, Hilmarton ringers and friends went to Whites to see the bells in their new frame. The tenor was swung so that it could be heard. The bells look very smart with their new wheels and stays and blue headstocks as the photographs show. On Wednesday 28th December 2005 the bells were returned waited in the Church until they can be installed. For photographs click here. During this time two short open sessions were held for parishioners and other interested people to view the bells. During Thursday 9th Feb, Friday 10th Feb and Monday 13th Feb 2006 the frame, bells and fittings were returned to the tower. The bells were first rung on 28th Feb and we are now back to regular practices and Sunday ringing. |
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