Ap-peal-ing News for Dorset Church

A Dorset village church has raised the funds it needs to restore a historic set of bells, thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) – and the support of the local community.
 
Shroton St Mary Church has a peal of six bells which were last restored almost 100 years ago. Two of the bells even date back to the 16th Century.
 
The Revd John Simmons, project manager said, “The HLF funding of £25,200 adds to £15,000 already raised by the 400 people of the small parish of Shroton. The total cost of the project is £60,875, and the balance has been raised from or been committed to by various Trusts and organisations.
 
“The bells will be coming down after Christmas to be repaired, and should be rehung in early summer 2017 if all goes according to plan.
 
“The contractor carrying out the project, John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough, noted how well the bells had been looked after over a long period and that they had lasted longer than most before needing repair.
 
“The sound of a peal of bells in change-ringing is part of the fabric of England, and it is a unique sound not heard in many other countries. It is important we secure this wonderful tradition, which brings joy and peace to so many, for future generations.”