Brand new church bells have arrived at Elmley Castle Church.
The bells, welcomed by the village community and pupils from Elmley Castle CE First School on their arrival, are part of a major restoration project funded by a nearly £120,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Katryn Leclezio, vicar at Elmley Castle Church, said: “This is a very special occasion for the church and we’re delighted that the school and the wider village were involved before the bells were taken back up into the bell tower.
“We have six bells able to be rung at Elmley Castle Church. Three of these have been replaced with new bells which are much lighter and therefore easier to ring.
“They should also be much more tuneful than the old ones, which came from other churches and were not necessarily the right note.”
Children and villagers welcoming the new bells at Elmley Castle Church (Image: Diocese of Worcester)
The project began in 2010 with the casting of one new bell in 2011.
Additional funding allowed for the casting of two more, completing a full set of six to be hung together.
The old bells will be preserved above the new ring, and the existing 1878 oak frame is being replaced with a stronger iron frame and new supporting beams.
It is traditional to decorate bells before they are hung, and flowers were provided by local people who came out to welcome the bells back to church.
Children from the school asked questions, and helped to bless the bells with holy water and singing.
Steve Bowley, project manager and tower captain, said: “This has been a very exciting project, and we are delighted to finally have the bells returning to church.
“Installation will take about three days and we are looking forward to being able to ring them at events coming up.
“Bell ringing is both physically and mentally challenging and is a great way of keeping fit and healthy as well as a very social hobby.
“Our new lighter bells will make ringing them more accessible and I hope that more people will be inspired to come and join us.”
