New Bishop of Lichfield to Dedicate Bells

It has just been announced that the new Bishop of Lichfield, Rt Rev. Dr Michael Ipgrave will attend the bell dedication service in the afternoon of Sunday, 16th October.

This will be one of the first ceremonies he will attend following his enthronement as the 99th Bishop of the Diocese of Lichfield on 24th September.

Tuning of New Bells

This week has seen the start of tuning the new bells. The photograph below
from the John Taylor's website, shows the 2nd bell given by Drayton Manor Theme Park in memory of their founders, George and Vera Bryan on the tuning lathe.

Dedication Date Set

On Sunday, 16th October there will be a bell themed morning service beginning at 9.30am.

In the afternoon, start time yet to be decided, there will be an official dedication service. As the seating in the church is limited this service will be by invitation only. refreshments will then be served at the WI rooms. More details will be published when available.

Date Given for Installation of New Bells

John Taylor's of Loughborough have stated that the 3 new bells will be installed in the week beginning Monday 26th September. The installation should take about 3 days if there are no complications.

It is hoped that as many people as possible, and hopefully the children of the school, will greet the arrival of the new bells into the village.

The rector, Rev Jonathan Iddon, is already in the process of arranging a date for the dedication service for the new bells.

Sound Control on Louvres Nearly Completed

Adrian Taylor, local joiner, has nearly completed the installation of the sound control on the four sets of louvres in the tower. In the photograph you can see the hopper type hinged opening. These are open in the photograph to let sound out but when the bell ringers are practising they can be closed to limit the amount of sound coming out of the tower.

Latest Pictures from the Tower

 This shows the bellframe which has been treated with a coat of rust inhibitor and a prime coat. A gloss coat is yet to be applied.

 Above is the original smallest bell, dated 1713. This bell will be hung dead in a separate frame and a hammer will strike the hour on this bell.

 This is the original 2nd bell, will be the 4th in the new ring. It has be moved onto the top of the frame to allow space for the new bells to be raised into the belfry.

                                                      Another view of the repainted frame.

Sound Control To Be Installed Soon

After the completion of the building of the new ringing room floor, work is to begin soon on the installation of new woodwork on the inside of the louvres. This will ensure that the level of noise from the bells can be controlled. The sound control, when installed, will contain small opening doors. These can be opened for service ringing and closed when bell ringing practices are taking place.
The new woodwork will be installed by Adrian Taylor who has installed the new ringing room floor. The work should begin within the next few weeks.