I'm the Tower Captain at Broseley in Shropshire where we have a enthusiastic team of 17 bell ringers. I formed a new band in 2013, mostly with novice ringers, and since then the group has gone from strength to strength. We ring regularly for Sunday services, weddings and for various other events throughout the year.

All Saints Broseley originally had a peal of six bells which were cast in 1844 and hung in an oak frame. Two additional smaller bells were cast in 1949 and hung in a steel frame, making a peal of eight. The heaviest bell, the tenor, weighs 12-2-19 cwt (1419 lb or 644 Kg).

In the tower there is also a much smaller sanctus bell which was cast in Wellington, Shropshire, in 1642. This is sadly not in usable condition. Our bells are regularly maintained, but they are not the easiest to ring because they are are in need of some more substantial work. The issues include worn pulleys that need replacement and wooden sliders have been repaired with metal and require replacement. Also the layout of the bells on the frame is not ideal. Ropes don’t fall vertically from the bell to the ringer and are drawn at crazy angles through the clock room. There is also some ‘pinching’ of the bell fittings as the frame flexes. Bearings and gudgeons have not been refurbished for some time, increasing the risk of them failing. Bells 3 to 8 originally had iron crown staples welded to the bell metal which held the bell to the original wooden headstocks. The remnants of these could cause stress in the metal, possibly causing the bells to crack in the future.

We have sought specialist advice and intend to send the bells to a workshop to remove the crown staples and to retune them so they sound more harmonious as a peal of eight. In the meanwhile, the frame will be replaced with one that provides a better layout.

We also want to secure funding for two new bells, extra trebles, which will give us a peal of ten bells. The two new bells will be cast by the world-famous Royal Eijsbouts Foundry in the Netherlands who are currently the finest bellfounders in the world. Each of the two new bells may have a short inscription cast in relief upon it if requested by the donors.

If the restoration work is not undertaken, it is likely that the bells may become further damaged. The bells are a wonderful part of our local heritage and examples of true workmanship and craft. We want to preserve the bells for other generations to be able to enjoy.

The cost of the project, including restoration of our sanctus bell and the installation of the two new bells, will be £132,362. Thank you for your support!