The eight bells date back to 1606, so for four hundred years they have been ringing across the town to mark services, weddings and celebrations. The last major restoration took place in 1883.

The proposed work requires removal of the bells from the tower for fitting new headstocks, gudgeons and bearings, clapper assemblies, wheels and rope pulleys; then all to be rehung in a new steel frame.

The Tower Clock

The tower clock dates from 1905 and has to be manually wound each week. This is an ideal time to carry out repairs and cleaning. If automatic winding gear is installed at the same time, the clock work alone will cost £8,500.

How can you help?

The bell restoration project will cost about £100,000 and has the full support of the PCC and local Bell-ringing organisations. The PCC will request funding from the ‘Church Fund Trust’, and there are grants to be applied for but there is still a need for external fund raising.

Please, would you help by making a donation to keep the bells of St Mary’s, Walton ringing?

Much of the cost is in building work, transport and professional expertise but while we are seeking personal donations we are also looking for people or organisations who would like to sponsor a specific item on the list that follows.

Cost of some specific items
• Dismantle bells and old frame £6,686
• Build and install a new frame £13,664
• Weld the cracked 7th bell £3,255
• Headstocks, 8 required each at £827
• Bearings, 8 required each at £165
• Clappers, 8 required each at £424
• Wheels, 8 required each at £525
• Sliders and stays, 8 pairs each at £168
• Pulleys, 8 required each at £129
• Ropes, 8 required each at £200
• Clock repair and conversion £8,500

More Information

For further information, please contact the Tower Secretary, Hilary Brooks, on (01932) 227088.

About Bell Ringing

The Ringers are always pleased to welcome visitors at our Friday practice 7.45 – 9.15 PM. Please come up if you wish to see what we do or are interested in learning to ring.