Best Wishes from a former Resident Minister of Drayton

I met Philip Hall a few times when he was Resident Minister at Drayton between 1995 and 2001. I had the pleasure of meeting him again at Don Hellmuth's memorial service in November, where he showed great interest in our efforts to augment the bells at St Peter's Church.

Today I received a letter from him wishing us well with our effort to augment the bells and enclosing a very generous donation to the bell appeal.

People who have any contact with Drayton Church retain a warm connection with it.

First New Learner Takes to the Ropes

Brian Reynolds, a Drayton villager, volunteered a while ago to learn bell ringing in order boost the number of people available to ring the new bells when they are installed later this year. We started off about 2 weeks ago using a bell at Drayton. This didn't go well as the long length and dampness of the rope on the bell made it difficult to handle. We then transferred to Tamworth where the length of rope is shorter and the atmosphere drier. Brian has had 6 lessons of about 1 hour each. He is making good progress and ringing the bell with a little help. He said that when he saw people ringing the bells he didn't realise it involved so much skill. He is persevering and is determined to be able to take part in ringing the new bells when they are installed.

Tower Electrics Having a Makeover

Yesterday I called in at St Peter's to see the progress with upgrading the electrics in the tower. Matt, the electrician, had made good progress. The new dual strip light and emergency lighting had been fitted in the ringing room. The whole staircase was now equipped with bulkhead lights and there were now no dark patches. The clockroom had been equipped with new lighting to illuminate the whole space. A new floodlight to illuminate the whole of the belfry was just being installed, together with electric sockets for ease of maintenance.


To be completed was wiring these circuits into a new consumer unit in the church which will ensure that the electrics in the tower can be extended if necessary in the future.



This is the emergency light in the ringing room. It will ensure that if the power goes off. This will switch on and ensure the ringers can catch their ropes.

Work in the Tower Begins

I've just got back from Drayton church. Andrew Ogden, a bell hanger from Taylor's Bell Foundry came over today and free of charge completed the first stage in our project. He dismantled the fitting from the present lightest bell which is going to be hung stationary for chiming from the porch. He will take these fittings back to the bell foundry to be reused on our new bells.


 He also hoisted the 2nd bell out of its framework to make room for the new bells and timber work for the louvres to be hoisted into the tower at a later date.


Next week hopefully the new electrics will be installed.

A Wonderful Christmas Present

It's Christmas Eve and I've just opened the post and found a wonderful Christmas present for the bell appeal.; a cheque  for £2,500!


Many months ago I wrote letters to various charities that have been known to give grants for bells. One of these was a large charity called the Garfield Weston Trust. This did involve a lot of form filling and collection of information. I filed the application on line at the end of August knowing that they stated that they would take up to 14 weeks to consider the matter.


Well 2 days ago I realised that it had now been 17 weeks since that date. I telephone the trust office 2 days ago and was  only able to leave an answerphone message. A few minutes ago the post arrived and there was a letter from the trust saying we had been successful in our grant application and enclosed a cheque for £2,500. Wow!


This means that , barring unforeseen happening, we should now be able to complete the work mentioned in our appeal.


A really great Christmas present.

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.