2015 PROJECTS
These projects were completed during 2015
RODMARTON, GLOS. (3 bells, Tenor 10 1/4 cwt. approx. in Ab)
Rehung on traditional fittings for swing-chiming
The bells had their cast-in crown staples drilled out by hand in the tower and the bells were then rehung on traditional hardwood headstocks with forged supporting ironwork for swing-chiming.
SOUTHOE, CAMBS. (4 bells, Tenor 8 cwt. approx. in Bb)
A replica timber headstock
This complete installation by William Dobson dates from 1828 and remains almost intact. A large split developed in the 2nd headstock making it unsafe to ring. We crafted a new hardwood headstock to the same pattern and dimensions, also re-bonding the gudgeons. The headstock is to be fitted to the bell by the local bellringers.
WELLS, SOMERSET (St. Cuthbert). (8 bells, Tenor 27-1-2 in Db)
Rope guides
A set of rope guides has been installed for the front six bells. We use our own design of solid aluminium boss to achieve low rope noise.
FAREHAM, HANTS (Holy Trinity). (2 bells, Tenor 19cwt. approx.)
Major overhaul and hand-drilling a cast-in crown staple
The larger bell has been hand-drilled in the tower to remove the cast-in crown staple. The bell has been rehung "dead" for stationary chiming on a new hardwood deadstock. The fittings of the small bell were also overhauled.
CHURCHDOWN, GLOS. (6 bells, Tenor 9-2-1 in Ab)
A Gillett & Johnston profile six
With the exception of the Gillett & Johnston treble, the bells were of poor tone and difficult to ring. The "listed" 4th and 5th bells were retained on display in the church and the remainder broken up. With additional new metal, five new bells were cast to Gillett & Johnston profiles, using the former treble as the 2nd of the new ring. The bells were rehung with new fittings in the existing strengthened bell frame.
NORTH SCARLE, LINCS. (6 bells, Tenor 6-1-10 in A#)
Augmenting from three to six
The three existing bells have had their cast-in crown staples removed. Three second-hand bells were been obtained (one via the Keltek Trust) and with the exception of the 4th, all have been tuned. The bells have been hung on new ringing fittings in a two-tier galvanised steel frame. This shows the lower tier under construction in our Works.
BUSHEY, HERTS. (8 bells, Tenor 12-0-1 in F#)
Rehanging with new fittings in a new cast iron bell frame
The Warner frame was removed and the bells were re-tuned, the tenor also being recast. The bells were rehung on new fittings in a new cast iron bell frame.
During the removal of the old bell frame, a well-preserved 1917 BSA & Co. 303 rifle was found, complete with live ammunition.
CLANFIELD, OXON. (8 bells, Tenor 13-3-16 in F#)
New ball bearings
The existing cast iron headstocks were fitted with new gudgeons and ball bearing units, replacing the old worn plain bearings. All bell support bolts were replaced with galvanised 8.8-grade steel bolts and the wheels were re-rimmed. Some of the bells were turned, insulation pads being replaced as required.
NORTH MORETON, OXON. (6 bells, Tenor 13-0-18 in G)
Augmenting from five to six
The front three bells have been re-tuned, leaving the "listed" 4th and tenor uncut (these were closely in tune already). A treble bell was cast to augment the ring to six, using the spare pit in the existing cast iron frame, new fittings being used throughout.
A new ringing gallery has been built.
STANWAY, GLOS. (5 bells, Tenor 11-0-2 in F#)
Augmenting from four to five
The bells have been augmented to five with a new treble bell. The bell frame has been strengthened and supported by two additional galvanised steel beams. The bells have been hung on new fittings.
BERRICK SALOME, OXON. (6 bells, Tenor 7-1-13 in A)
New fittings in a timber tower
The bells have been rehung on new fittings in the existing wrought-iron double-bar frame. The treble, 2nd and 4th bells were re-tuned. Whilst the bells were away, the iron frame was sand-blasted clean and re-painted.
MAIDENHEAD, BERKS (St. Luke). (2 bells, Tenor 9cwt approx.)
Automated electronically controlled chiming
The smaller bell has been stood down. The larger bell has had its cast-in crown staple drilled out by hand in the tower and has been equipped with an electro-magnetic hammer and programmable control unit.
RADLEY, OXON. (6 bells, Tenor 5-2-27 in B)
Retuning and rehanging with new fittings in the existing frames.
The bells have been retuned, turned and rehung on mostly new fittings, re-rimming the wheels and adapting the existing wrought iron clappers. The upper wrought iron treble frame has been strengthened. The retuning has been particularly successful.
RADLEY, OXON. (6 bells, Tenor 5-2-27 in B)
Retuning and rehanging with new fittings in the existing frames
The bells have been retuned, turned and rehung on mostly new fittings, re-rimming the wheels and adapting the existing wrought iron clappers. The upper wrought iron treble frame has been strengthened. The retuning has been particularly successful.
OLD MARSTON, OXFORD. (6 bells, Tenor 4-3-17 in C)
Retuning and rehanging with new fittings in the existing frame
The bells have been retuned, turned and rehung on mostly new fittings. We also installed a new sound control system. The 5th was specialist weld-repaired in the crown.
SOUTH MORETON, OXON. (2 bells)
Chiming bells returned to use
The original rope-ways encased in the church wall had become damaged, trapping the bell ropes, and so were capped off. New more direct rope-ways were made, and new levers and stainless steel upper ropes fitted.
CLUN, SHROPSHIRE. (10 bells, Tenor 13-2-1 in F)
Clapper refurbishment
The clappers were rebushed with Tufnol resiliently mounted in Neoprene rubber, most of the existing phosphor bronze bushes having disintegrated. When refitted to the bells, the clappers were trued up for even clappering using our custom-made laser timing meter.
LONGPARISH, HANTS. (6 bells, Tenor 7-2-1 in A)
Clapper refurbishment and pulley replacement
The clappers have been rebushed and trued up for even clappering. We also replaced the worn pulley units. The local bellringers assisted with the work.
EAST HAGBOURNE, OXON. (8 bells, Tenor 21 1/2 cwt. approx in Eb)
Clapper staple improvements
When the bells were rehung in the early C20th, the cast-in crown staples were removed, leaving an uneven slot in the tops of some of the bells. This made keeping the staple units tight difficult. We cast a level resin pad in the top of the bell to give the staple a firm, level seating, enabling the staple bolt to be kept tight. Adjustable staples have also been fitted to three of the bells, with others to follow in the future. This allows bells without other methods of staple adjustment to be set up for even clappering with great precision.
KENILWORTH, WARKS. (St. Augustine) (1 bell)
Overhaul and rope-way improvements
The existing fittings were refurbished during the restoration of the bell cote masonry. The rope-way into the church was improved and simplified.
GREAT HABTON, NORTH YORKS. (1 bell)
A disused bell returned to service
Removed from an unsound turret some years ago, this bell has now been rehung with new fittings for swing-chiming. We manufactured the fittings and fitted them to the bell at Appleton and the bell was then hung in the restored turret by the Diocesan Bells Advisor.
WOODFORD, NORTHANTS. (8 bells, Tenor 14-0-16 in E)
Frame repairs and clapper works
One of the cast iron frameside feet had cracked. This was repaired in situ. Four clappers were also re-bushed.
HARTEST, SUFFOLK (6 bells, Tenor 9-3-19 in G)
A cracked bell welded
The 5th bell became cracked in its waist and so was removed from the tower, specialist weld-repaired by Messrs. Soundweld of Newmarket and then returned to use in the tower. Some of the fittings were overhauled at the same time.
DITTERIDGE, WILTS. (1 bell)
A turret bell restored
This small turret bell was removed from the bell cote by the locals, delivered to us to be fitted with stainless steel fittings and then the rehanging was overseen locally.
CHOLSEY, OXON. (8 bells, Tenor 10-1-11 in G)
Clapper improvements
The clappers were rebushed and adjustable staples fitted. The clappers were then accurately set up for even clappering with our laser timing meter.
BISHOP'S CLEEVE, GLOS. (8 bells, Tenor 19-2-11 in Eb)
A new set of pulleys
A new set of pulleys was fitted to this ring of eight. A flapping board was also fitted to the 2nd to improve the rope path.
BELLEAU, LINCS. (3 bells)
Derelict bells rehung for swing chiming
These bells had been derelict for some time. The cast-in crown staples were drilled out by hand in the tower and then rehung with modern swing-chime fittings.
ALDERLEY, GLOS. (1 bell, 8 cwt. approx.)
Overhaul of a full-circle ringing bell
The bell, fittings and frame date from 1913 and are by Llewellins and James of Bristol. The steel beam ends were exposed, treated and built in. The fittings were overhauled, the wheel re-rimmed and ball bearings fitted.
SHABBINGTON, BUCKS. (6 bells, Tenor 5-3-22 in B)
Broken gudgeon replaced
One of the gudgeons on the tenor headstock broke. Both gudgeons were replaced and the bearing plates re-levelled on the bell frame.
ABINGDON, OXON (ABINGDON SCHOOL). (1 bell, 3 cwt. approx.)
A chiming bell with a full wheel
The fittings had become derelict and the wheel had partially collapsed. The cast-in crown staple was drilled out by hand in the tower and the bell then rehung on traditional fittings, also fitting a replacement traditional full wheel.
KING'S LYNN, NORFOLK (St. Nicholas) (8 bells, Tenor 18-3-12 in F)
Rehanging in the existing strengthened bell frame
The bells have been rehung on new fittings in the existing strengthened bell frame. The bells were
not retuned.
"On behalf of The Friends of St Nicholas Chapel I would like to thank all of you for the the work you have done with us on this project. Mark and Brian in the office and Graham and the two James's on site. The volunteers including myself have really enjoyed and learned from the experience of working with you especially as some of us had no previous experience with bells. The calm directions given in the dismantling and raising process was very reassuring. The practice ring done with the assembled ringers just before you left was a very emotional moment. We look forward to the quarter peal, Yorkshire Surprise Major , being done prior to the Fairey band concert on October 17th. Graham will be in attendance as ringer and audience. Regards John Martin"
