For centuries the peal of St. Constantine and St. Aegidius bells has been part of the rural heritage of Milton Abbot and its surrounding villages, uniting our local parishes in faith, solidarity and hope.
Sounding joyfully across the Tamar valley, for worship, celebration and remembrance; the bells commemorate for many people important milestones in their lives.
A deep rooted community focal point, our bells provide an opportunity for inclusive fellowship and learning ancient skills. Bell ringers of all ages have come to Milton Abbot, having fun and making music in our rural surroundings.
Sadly, essential repair work to the bells have silenced their music.
Why Are We Doing This: After an inspection in 2016, it was discovered that the bell frame was starting to suffer from rot and was losing its structural integrity. It was also found that the general condition of the moving parts especially the plain bearings, headstocks, pulleys and wheels are in need of urgent replacement to ensure that the ringing tradition in Milton Abbot is able to continue. The oak frame is sadly beyond economic repair and a new frame will be required, along with new fixtures and fittings. Those who have rung the bells before will know how difficult they have become to ring.
What Are We Doing: After lengthy consultation and deliberation, the Parochial Church Council have agreed to re-hang the existing bells within a new bell frame.
John Taylor & Co of Loughborough have been tasked to supply a new steel bell frame for our existing 6 bells. New canon-retaining headstocks will be manufactured for each bell. New rims will be manufactured for the wheels along with new pulley assemblies. New clapper and crown staples will be fitted to each bell and each will be re-tuned.
The cost of these most urgent works is :
What We Still Need: We have paid our first payment of £30,139 thanks to donations, legacies and fundraising. We are very grateful to those who have supported us so far.
We are asking for your help and prayer in contributing to the remaining costs of the work. Our goal is to have completed the Restoration project by the end of 2022, we now only need £67,107 to complete our project.
What Will Your Help Achieve: Your help will ensure that the bells of Milton Abbot are restored and then sustained for future generations. Donations of all sizes are welcomed and can be posted to the address on the reverse.
There are also many other ways to help. Spread the word to your friends and family, employers and organisations with which you are involved. They may be able to help with donations and fundraising. You may also be able to help by organizing a fundraising event. Please do get in touch.
Sponsorship: We are now offering sponsorship of the bell frame and other items as illustrated. If you would like further information on this, please contact Rev. Atkins. Donations to the frame, headstocks and wheels will be acknowledged on a brass plaque.
Frame £1000 x 17
Headstocks £800 x 6
Wheels £1,250 x 6
Stays £30 x 6
Bearings £100 x 12
Runners £50 x 6
Pulleys £200 x 6
Sliders £100 x 6
Anonymous donations can be made.
Payment can be made direct to Taylors of Loughborough.
Sponsorship of specific items can be arranged.
BACS to Milton Abbot with Dunterton PCC, sort code - 30-98-46 acc nos. - 00174550
justgiving.com/campaign/mabells
Text MABELLS to 70085 to donate £5.
Practical help can be offered.
To discuss any of these options, or for more information please contact
Rev. Andy Atkins
Tel. 01822 870298
Email. vicar@southtamar.church
To keep up to date with our progress and for more information please visit our website:
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