Richard Piner chimed bell 2 for service Sunday 8 March using the new a-bit-stretchy rope.
Better news came on Monday morning when Nicholson’s advised that another bellhanger, Chris Cozens, would arrive on Wednesday 11 March at 8.30am to refit the clock chime solenoid hammers, establish ways of overcoming difficulties from last week, then return, the following week with any modified parts to finish the work. Steve Brooks answered the call for one volunteer at short notice and saw the work through until late.
The outcomes were that the clock chimed 5.30pm and 5.45pm – the first time since noon on 16 June 2025! Then the chimes were switched off until work in the belfry was completed.
The bells have been turned through 45 or 90 degrees during the fitment of the new headstocks so the clock hammers are striking a different part of each bell and may need fine adjustment and bedding in.
The fitting out of bells 4 and 6 was completed. The clapper assembly for bell 5 presented more difficulty and has had to be taken away for rectification of the thread on the crown staple.
Fitting of the rest of the new ropes has been completed. The only task not yet started is the fitment of ‘flapping’ boards in the clock room to prevent 20ft of ropes looping about as they sometimes used to.
Chris intends to return on Wednesday 18 March and, with volunteers, work through to get the bells ready for the formal ‘try out’ of the bells at a special version of our practice night before the project can be signed off with Andrew Nicholson, the company’s MD.
Depending on speed of progress, it may be necessary to touch up all the paint damage inevitably caused when swinging large lumps of metal around the tower later!
Nearly there!