War Memorial Bell Receives Its Headstock

Below is a picture showing the new treble (smallest) bell. It has been fitted with the reused headstock from the old treble bell. The old treble is going to be hung stationary and used as a clock and chime bell. It's also a chance to read the inscription on the other side of this bell.

New Recruit Rings Rounds

Brian Reynolds, from the village, volunteered a few months ago to learn bell ringing so that he would be available to ring the new bells. He has been coming to St Editha's Tamworth for a few months now learning on a silenced bell. He little realised that it's not as simple as it looks. But after a great deal of perseverance yesterday he managed to ring some rounds and call changes on six bells using the simulator.Well done Brian!

New Bells Receive a Polish

The bells have now been polished and await their fittings.
Below is the new treble (smallest) bell which commemorates the six men from the village who died in WWI.

Commemorative Plaque Receives Permission

A plaque is to be erected on the ground floor of the tower above the entrance to the tower staircase. This will commemorate the completion of the ring of six bells in the tower made possible by the present bell appeal. The plaque will be about 12 inches wide by 9 inches deep and will be cast in bell metal by John Taylor's of Loughborough, the same firm that cast the bells in the tower. Mr Colin Bryan CEO of Drayton Manor Theme Park has very kindly offered to fund the plaque. The new second bell in the tower was given in memory of his parents, George and Vera Bryan who founded the Theme Park.
It was originally thought that we would need to apply for a faculty, as we did for the bell work, for the plaque. But after the paperwork was submitted to the diocese, the Archdeacon of Lichfield decided that he would immediately issue a certificate for the work to be undertaken. This will save at least two months and means the plaque could be in place for the dedication of the bells on Sunday, 16th October.

The wording of the plaque, agreed by the donor and the PCC is as follows:-

The Bells of St Peter's Church, 

Drayton Bassett

In 1964 John Taylor Bellfounders of Loughborough hung three

new bells, together with the original treble dating from 1713,

in this tower in a new metal frame for six.

In 2016 the 1713 treble was hung for chiming and a further three

new bells were cast by John Taylor's to complete the ring of six,

with the new treble dedicated in memory of the six men of this

village who died in World War I.

The second bell was presented by Drayton Manor Theme Park.

in memory of Vera and George Bryan OBE, founders of the park.

This project was made possible by the generous donations of

villagers, friends and charities.

Rev. Jonathan Iddon, Rector

New Photo of All Three Bells

The photo below is by courtesy of John Taylor's website.
The treble ( smallest bell ) dedicated to the memory of the 6 men from the village who died in WWI. You can just see their names inscribed on the bell.
The second in the middle is given by Drayton Manor Theme Park in memory of George and Vera Bryan its founders.
The third bell on the left is given by John Mulvey in memory of his parents, grandparents and great grandparents who had a connection with the parish.