On Monday 4 August the first tin of Deutz green paint was opened and was brushed onto the bell frame by Neil with Anne Prestwick and Steve Brooks helping while Storm Floris blustered through the louvres and the wind vanes grunted at their stormy motion. Fortified by Carole’s cheese with pickle sandwiches and cake at lunchtime and with a late finish, all the first coat green was completed and two thirds of the light grey on the foundation beams.
Tuesday saw Sue Sutherland teamed with Anne to use their artistry on the second gloss coat of green and light grey with the use of little rollers to get into obscure parts. Sue was so taken with the shade of green that she went home with green highlights in her hair!
Neil used a magnetically clamped drill to tackle the tough corroded bolt which broke off during dismantling. Eventually a hole appeared ready for the end brace frame bolt when it returns in September.
By Wednesday the end of painting was in sight and last volunteers Steve Brooks and Dale Sutherland had finished after lunch and the Thursday volunteers were stood down.
Neil had a few chime hammers to paint red before tidying up and setting off home in the west country Thursday morning. All is ready and waiting for the surge of heavy activity when the bells return!