THE PEAL APPEAL

TO CARRY OUT REPAIRS TO THE BELLS AND TOWER

WE NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE

Download the Peal Appeal Donation Form (pdf 259kb)

The bells of Ecclesfield Church have been ringing for over 400 years.  In these days of mobile phones and the Internet, Church bells are still the only way of conveying a message to the people of Ecclesfield all at the same time.  That message is that St Mary's is open to everyone and we are here to help people love and worship God.  Bells proclaim services, weddings, special occasions and celebrations.

To keep the bell ringing tradition alive for the future we need to raise £60,000.  This will help us to do essential maintenance to the bells, their fittings, the tower and to add two new bells.  We want to pass on the bells to future generations in as good a condition as possible.

A ring of 10 will greatly enhance our ability to train new ringers as the front bells will be lighter and we can train younger people.  Young people are needed to allow this unique art to continue.  2 new bells and the retuning work will turn a fairly ordinary ring of 8 in to a ring of 10 and something truly magical to hear.

Retuning the bells, refurbishing the clappers, 2 new bells and sound control will really make Ecclesfield's bells superb for services, special events and weddings.  We want to set them up for another century of ringing and to ensure they are in good order for future generations to enjoy.

This will present many challenges but we are confident that the local community, businesses, friends and supporters of the Church and bell ringers worldwide will want to part of this exciting project.

Please make everyone you know aware of our project as they might want to get involved, make a donation or know someone who does.

The Peal Appeal Work

We propose to remove  the existing 8 bells from the tower and have them re-tuned to modern standards.  2 of the bells will be re-cast but retain their original metal and inscriptions.  Modern tuning techniques will improve  the sound of our other bells which were cast in the 16th and 17th century.

The clappers will be refurbished and carefully matched to the bells, again improving the sound quality.  Pulley blocks and all bearings will be replaced.  This will make the bells easier to ring.

To do this work he tower trap doors will have to be opened up allowing the bells to be lowered to the ground floor.  The bells will then be taken to the bell foundry. 

The Bell Frame 

The bell frame will require some slight modifications to accommodate the extra 2 bells.  Holes will be made in the ringing chamber ceiling for 2 extra ropes.

Tower

The louvres on the tower windows need replacing.  They are estimated to be 200 years old and  are coming to the end of their life.  Once this has been done netting needs to be applied to the outside to keep out the roosting pigeons.  Some repairs are also needed to the stonework.

As this work progresses we would like to take the opportunity to install sound control so that the bell volume can be reduced i.e. for practice nights, peals and quarter peals or returned to as it is now for special occasions such as church services and weddings.

MORE WAYS TO HELP

The Gift of a Bell

If you  would like to become a benefactor and pay for a bell, you could have your name and inscription cast on to it.  This is a rare and very unusual opportunity.  The last time anyone did this in Ecclesfield was 1750 when John Watts Esq. gifted 2 bells.  These bells are still in place, his name is on our website over 250 years later.

We welcome any donations of any amount.  Donations over £20 will be recorded on the Contributors page of the web site (with your agreement) and you will receive a certificate commemorating your participation.

Perhaps you could organise some fund raising to raise money for the appeal.

Do you know someone who used to live in Ecclesfield who would want to make a contribution or a commercial company interested in helping us.

To find out more or to arrange to make a donation (ideally by Gift Aid), please contact ecclesfieldtower@hotmail.co.uk  or visit the tower when the bells are ringing.  If you download the Peal Appeal donation form you can post your donation to us.

If the church is open please speak to any of the clergy or PCC.  Call in to the Church and collect a Gift Aid envelope.

St Mary's Church Web Site at: www.stmarysecclesfield.com has more information about the Church and organisations that are part of it.

Look out for our information leaflet and advertising posters.

Download the Peal Appeal Donation form pdf 259kb