St Wilfrids’
Grappenhall launches fund raising for new peal of bells.
For
over 300 years the bells of historic St Wilfrids’ church have called the people
of Grappenhall to worship every week and have rung out to celebrate Christmas,
new year, weddings and national events.
But
now this much-loved peal of bells is under threat. The eight (8) bells, some of which date back
to the 17th century, are literally “clapped out” and therefore
becoming unringable. Not only are the
bells themselves worn, but the frame in which they hang has started to move,
risking damage to the tower itself. St. Wilfrid's award-winning band of ringers,
whose ages range from 17 to 90, have put
together plans to ensure that ringing can continue for at least another hundred
years. A new, more musical ring of ten
bells will be cast and installed in a brand new frame, whilst the most
important elderly bells will be retained in the tower in ‘semi-retirement’, and
chimed for services, available to view by visitors and used for the clock
chimes. The clock, which is also of historical
significance, will be retained and renovated ensuring that the clock chimes can
be heard in Grappenhall.
Tower
Captain, Mike Thomson, said “The relevant authorities have approved the plans,
so now ‘all’ we have to do is raise the funds, estimated at £175,000. We are in the process of applying for any
available grants, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, and are planning a
number of fund raising events – watch this space!”
Events
planned include:
Tower
Open Day on Sunday 10th September 2017 between 1.30pm and 4.30pm
-
A
chance to see the existing bells, climb to the top of the tower and view the
surrounding area.
-
Just
come along on the day, no tickets required
Quiz
Night on Friday 13th October 2017 starting at 7.45pm in the Parish
rooms next to St Wilfrids’ church Grappenhall.
-
For
more information or tickets (£10 each including food) please contact Nick Thomson by e-mail at nick5@btinternet.com
St
Wilfrids’ Grappenhall launched the fund raising on Sunday 14th May 2017 at the
regular morning service, followed by a presentation in the parish rooms. Anyone
who would like to learn more about the project should follow the link below:
More information about the bell appeal here.
