Grappenhall Bells Peal Appeal

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 17^th 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 10^th 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 13^th 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.