We will remove the unsafe 3 bells and replace with 8 bells which will be given, free of charge, from Church Kirk, a closed church near Accrington. Not only will this give enjoyment to the whole community in hearing the bells ringing out again but it is planned to develop St Cuthbert’s as a centre for learning to ring bells, encouraging children over the age 9, young people and adults both from the village and surrounding area to take up this activity, which provides physical exercise, mental stimulation, team work and social interaction. It will be open, free of charge, to anyone, irrespective of whether or not they attend a church and once trained will provide them with a hobby to last a lifetime.
The project has been adopted as the village’s commemoration of the Platinum Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Duke of Lancaster and the Accession of HM King Charles III, Duke of Lancaster and this will be recorded by engraving the new bells. This has the support of the Duchy of Lancaster
What we'll deliver:
- The only 'light' ring of 8 bells in this area, ideal for teaching young people and those with certain disabilities
- Inclusive participation for young people (age 10 and over) and adults whatever race, religion or culture
- Improvements in community mental & physical wellbeing by listening to, learning to ring and ringing the bells as a hobby
- The tower will be fitted with moveable shutters so that residents are not disturbed during practice times
- A stimulating leisure activity, particularly for young people, in this rural community and surrounding area
- Bells will be engraved to uniquely commemorate the Jubilee of HM Queen & the Accession of HM King, Dukes of Lancaster
- The ability to once again celebrate major spiritual and secular events through the ringing of bells
- A new home for the 8 redundant historic bells removed from Church Kirk and installed in Over Kellet
Why it's a great idea:
The historic sound of the bells, celebrating both spiritual and secular events, will be heard throughout the community and promote a feeling of wellbeing and appreciation of this ancient form of communication.
Learning to ring the bells will bring people together and provide opportunities for physical exercise and social interaction - empowering, inspiring, motivating -developing an interest & hobby to last a lifetime - improving mental health - raising self-esteem & self worth so helping children to perform better at school and adults in the workplace - for those trained to ring, promoting & creating opportunities for volunteering to ring in other churches and train others to ring in the future - sharing experiences which helps bind families and communities - promoting a healthy, active lifestyle -a centre welcoming bellringing groups from around the UK to visit to ring the bells thus encouraging tourism and supporting economic growth - an enhanced venue for wedding ceremonies
Steps to get it done:
- Design engineer from John Taylor & Co takes detailed measurements of Over Kellet tower
- Taylor's reconfigure Church Kirk bell frames and fittings and refurbish bells
- Bells are transported to Over Kellet and installed in St Cuthbert's Church
- Sound control is installed in the tower
- New bells are rung for the first time
In a survey carried out last year this project received the support of all those who responded and it has been adopted by the Parish Council as the village's commemoration of the Jubilee of HM Queen, Duke of Lancaster and Accession of HM King, Duke of Lancaster. It is supported by St Cuthbert's PCC, the Diocese of Blackburn, the Duchy of Lancaster, the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers and local schools. To keep costs down village volunteers will assist the professional bellhanger in the removal and installation of the bells. This project be giving the village a ring of bells to last many hundreds of years and at the same time will be preserving an historic ring of 8 bells for future generations to enjoy.
The project is led by a group of community volunteers who give of their time freely, some attend St Cuthbert's Church, others do not. The project is owned by St Cuthbert's PCC, a not-for-profit organisation, but all money donated will be used exclusively for this bells project
