Coventry Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers
Belfry Maintenance Committee

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Belfry Maintenance Committee Report 2006

2006 has seen a deal of progress in the work on rings of bells. Most of the items in this report have been mentioned before but this year has seen them coming to fruition. Although substantial contributions have been made by the Guild Repair Fund, they have been accompanied by considerable local fund raising and contributions from independent charities. Particular activity has been seen at the following towers:-

Cherington. The original ring of five has been tuned and rehung in a modern metal frame with the treble being recast and an inscription included recording the Guild’s contribution. These five were augmented to six by the addition of a new treble bell, the work being done by Taylor of Loughborough and the cost of the additional bell was donated locally, demonstrating the considerable local enthusiasm. The bells are above the clock, as they were before, and enclosed rope guides have been fitted through the clock room, the height of which is considerable. The bells are still rung from the ground floor and the whole installation has proved to be a very good one.

Lighthorne. The ring of four has been augmented to six and tuned and rehung in a modern metal frame, the work being done by the Whitechapel Foundry. The metal from a single redundant bell was transferred from Hillfields, Coventry, at no cost to the parish, by the Diocesan Board of Finance to Lighthorne, this bell being of comparatively recent origin. This allowed the bell to be recast to use the metal as required. Transport was provided by Mr David Clarke. The Guild also acknowledges the storing of this bell by a Guild member who, due to security considerations, needs to remain anonymous. One bell, complete with fixtures and fittings, was donated by the Guild as part of its Centenary activities and has an inscription recording this. Local enthusiasm and effort was considerable, particularly that of Sir Adam Butler who was the driving force behind the project.

Lillington. Whilst not of the same scale as the two projects above, the bells here are just about to have a major overhaul by Nicholson's. This comprises replacing some headstocks and fittings of all the bells with appropriate adjustments being made to the hanging parameters and thus their handling and striking should be improved. Again this project is due to the local enthusiasm.

Bilton. This project is just starting the procedures for recasting the tenor, and possibly other bells, to improve the ring. The tenor is a complete miss-match with respect to the other bells, being much lighter and thinner section than the fifth. The initiative is purely local.

Monks Kirby. This project remains in the background.

St Mary’s, Warwick. Following the granting of a faculty work to accommodate transmitting aerials and associated equipment has been carried out and has resulted in considerable improvements to the access round the bells. It is a very good example of what can be done when all interested parties confer closely as soon as the project starts. The tower security has also improved to allow both maintenance personnel and ringers to have safe access.

Other Matters. Members of the Guild continue to be actively engaged, in conjunction with the Central Council and several other ringers, in the measurement of tower movement and the understanding of this very complex subject.

Harry Windsor

Members of the Committee	Telephone No
Keith Chambers, 38 School Street, Wolston, Coventry CV8 3HF	024 7654 4573
William Jones, 15 Pineham Avenue, Harbury, Leamington Spa CV33 9JF	01926 613207
Peter Sheen, 19 Home Close, Bubbenhall, Coventry CV8 3JD	024 7630 6339
John Slack, 74 Chapel Street, Long Lawford, Rugby CV23 9BE	01788 570899
Richard Taulbut, 9 The Greenway, Lillington, Leamington Spa CV32 7AF	01926 450977
Clarke Walters, 30 Chester Street, Rugby CV21 3NX	01788 552630