Preparatory Work about to Start

At last work can begin!


Preparatory work is about to beginning in the tower at St Peter's.


 On Tuesday 29th December  a local bell ringer, who works for Taylor's Bell Foundry will, free of charge, remove the fittings from the smallest bell. This bell is to be hung stationary for chiming. He is to take the fittings back to the bell foundry as these are to be reused on one of the new bells. He will also while he is there move the present second bell out of its framework to enable materials to be hoisted into the belfry.


On Monday, 4th January the electrician will beginning the work to upgrade the electrics in the tower to provide better lighting and more electrical sockets.

Donation received from Drayton Bassett Parish Council

Yesterday evening just before the ringing for Don Hellmuth's funeral at St Peter's church I was handed a cheque for £500. This very kind gift was from Drayton Bassett Parish Council. The money is towards the cost of the new floor that is being installed and refitting the ringing room. We are very grateful for this gift, as it will help to ensure that the ringing room is a welcoming space to encourage new people to ring the new bells.  In the last few weeks I have been informed of another two people who would like to learn to ring. Lessons will begin in earnest at the beginning of the New Year.

Funeral of Drayton Churchwarden

Tomorrow, following a service at Sutton Crematorium, there will be a thanksgiving service for the life of Don Hellmuth at 3pm at St Peter's Church Drayton Bassett.. Don was  one of the churchwardens at St Peter's Church and a committed supporter of the bell appeal.


With the agreement of the church and his family the present four bells will be rung half muffled before and after the thanksgiving service by members of the Tamworth bell ringing band.

Casting Date Announced

The foundry have announced that the 3 new bells for Drayton church will be cast on Wednesday afternoon 13th April 2016. The parish are organising a trip to the foundry to view the casting and take a tour of the foundry and its museum

Drayton Manor Park Donate a New Bell

It can be made public that Drayton Manor Theme Park have agreed to donate one of the three new bells. This bell will commemorate the lives of George and Vera Bryan, the founders of the park, who died last year. St Peter's Church are glad that such strong bonds exist between them and Drayton Manor. This bell will provide a permanent and audible memorial to George and Vera, who contributed so much to the area.

Order To Be Placed For Casting Of New Bells

Great news. The church council at its meeting last night agreed to place the order with John Taylor & Co of Loughborough for the casting of three new bells and the hanging of the present smallest bell as a chiming bell. The casting of the new bells will take place, hopefully sometime in Spring 2016. More definite dates will be given when our job is placed on the foundry's work schedule.

Sharpe Trust Award

I have just been informed that The Sharpe Trust has awarded a grant of £150 towards the preservation of the old present smallest bell by hanging it for chiming. This grant is payable on completion of the scheme.