2020 PROJECTS
These projects were completed during 2020
Sherston, Wilts.
(6 bells, 8-1-12 in G) Clapper overhaul
The clappers have been rebushed and set up for even clappering.
Letcombe Bassett, Oxon.
(3 bells, 4-1-7 in C) Rehung on new fittings
The bells have been turned and rehung on new fittings in the existing, strengthened, timber bell frame.
Nether Worton, Oxon.
(2 chiming bells) Rehanging with traditional fittings
The two bells have been rehung on traditional swing-chiming fittings, the larger bell also having been tuned. A new seasoned oak beam has been installed as part of the restoration of the bell supports. The old fittings are preserved in the tower.
Odiham, Hants.
(6 bells, 12-1-11 in F) Overhaul and frame strengthening
Due to rot in some of the frame timbers, galvanised support steels have been installed under the frame and tie-rods fitted to reduce frame movement. The clappers and pulley units have been overhauled and the defective resin pads replaced. Rope guides have also been installed.
Owslebury, Hants.
(6 bells, 8-2-12 in A) Cracked tenor bell repaired
The tenor bell developed a crack in the soundbow, which was weld-repaired by Soundweld. The bell has now been rehung on new fittings with other minor works being carried out to the other bells.
Wimbotsham, Norfolk
(3 bells, 7cwt. approx. in A) Bells retrieved from fire-damaged tower
Following a large fire, which caused extensive damage to most of the church, including the tower, the bells were carefully removed in conjunction with a specialist abseiling company due to the precarious state or absence of the floors, frame, fittings and roof. All three were badly cracked and have been examined in detail by Soundweld.
The future of a bell installation here is uncertain at present.
Silchester, Hants.
(5 bells, 7-0-1 in Bb) Rehung on new fittings
The bells have been turned and rehung on new fittings in the existing bell frame. The 2nd bell has been tuned. Rope guides were also installed.
Elkstone, Glos.
(6 bells, 9-3-26 in G) Tuning and rehanging
The bells have been turned and rehung on new fittings in the existing bell frame.
Woodhurst, Cambs.
(1 bell) Rehanging for chiming
The bell had its cast-in crown staple removed and was rehung for swing-chiming on new, traditional chiming fittings.
Hanslope, Bucks.
(8 bells, 18-3-19 in Eb) Tuning and rehanging on new fittings in a new frame
The front seven bells have been retuned (permission was not granted for tuning the tenor) and all eight have been rehung on new fittings in a new cast iron bell frame on a 10-bell galvanised steel grillage lower in the tower.
Great Tew, Oxon.
(8 bells, 22-0-10 in D) Major overhaul
The fittings have been refurbished and the installation underwent maintenance work.
Amersham, Bucks.
(12 bells + Sharp 2nd, 19-0-6 in E) New 11th clapper
Following a breakage, the 11th clapper was replaced.
Sandsend, N. Yorks.
(1 chiming bell)
The single bell has been equipped with new traditional swing-chiming fittings ready for installation by local volunteers.
Gravesend, Kent (RC)
A digital bell control unit has been fitted to replace an older obsolete unit.
Woolhampton, Berks.
(3 bells, Tenor 4-1-20)
The bells have had their cast-in crown staples removed and been rehung for stationary chiming with trigger-action clappers.
Withernwick, E. Yorks.
(2 chiming bells)
The two bells have been rehung for swing-chiming using traditional and stainless-steel fittings.
Middleton-on-Sea, W. Sussex
(1 chiming bell)
A new electromagnetic hammer and control unit have been fitted to the single bell. Following discovery of rot in the bell frame, the bell was rehung in a new hardwood bell frame on a timber deadstock.