St Michael’s church bells will be reinstalled from today (Monday 25th February) after they were blessed in a special service conducted by the Bishop of Stafford on Sunday.
The peal of 10 bells (four originals from the 18th century that have been restored and retuned, and six brand new ones) will be ringing out across the town again very soon. The church’s ringers will be practicing again as soon as they’re installed, and the first time they’ll be used properly for a church service will be on Easter Sunday.
The church held an open day on Saturday to show local people the bells before they are reinstalled. Members of the Stone Bells Appeal fundraising team and the church’s bellringers were on hand to explain the project.
As part of the fundraising, the six new bells all feature inscriptions. They read:
- A gift of the Harvey family and friends
- A gift of Frank and Jenny Beech
- Lasting memories, Peter Rotheram 11.7.1935 – 27.2.2011
- Rex and Rena Hallifield, Bert and Peggy Simpson, David and Margaret Simpson, Kathrine Adams
- A gift from David E D Johnson Esq DL in memory of all the family who worship at St Michael’s
- V and E Kimber 2004, Roger Whiston Jan 1953 – Mar 2011, Helen and Barry Smith 2 Oct 2010, Peter Tallent Oct 1926 – Nov 1994, Wendy Milborough Warrilow 1941 – 2004, Peter and Joan Jones
There’s lots more information about the church bells restoration project HERE.
