Bell Ringers
The existing bells date back to November 1774 when they were purchased along with the tower clock. The 6 bells were purchased from Pack and Chapman and were placed into the oak bell frame ( the frame miraculously still stands today despite the two devastating fires). In 1810 the tenor bell was recast. In 1894 the bells were refitted and quarter turned by Thomas Mears of London. 2 new treble bells were added in 1904 to make a ring of 8. The earliest record of a peal being rung at St Michaels was in 1928.
In 1956 the old bells were removed and recast as a ring of 8 by Taylors of Loughborough. The cost of this work was £1500. At today's prices, the same work would cost in the region of £100,000!
In 1956 the old bells were removed and recast as a ring of 8 by Taylors of Loughborough. The cost of this work was £1500. At today's prices, the same work would cost in the region of £100,000!
ST MICHAEL'S BELLS INSCRIPTIONS
TREBLE - "Although I am but light and small, my voice is heard above them all"
SECOND - "Ring out the old, ring in the new, ring out the false, ring in the true"
THIRD - "Ring in the valiant man and free, ring in the Christ that is to be"
FOURTH - "If you have a judicious ear, you'll hear my voice is sweet and clear"
FIFTH - "Such wondrous powers to music given, it elevates the Soul to heaven"
SIXTH - "Whilst thus we join in cheerful sound, may love and loyalty abound"
SEVENTH - "Though much against us may be said, to speak for ourselves we're not afraid"
EIGHTH - "Alfred James Sanderson. Died 10th November 1956. Bell ringer for sixty years, church warden 1941 until his death."
TREBLE - "Although I am but light and small, my voice is heard above them all"
SECOND - "Ring out the old, ring in the new, ring out the false, ring in the true"
THIRD - "Ring in the valiant man and free, ring in the Christ that is to be"
FOURTH - "If you have a judicious ear, you'll hear my voice is sweet and clear"
FIFTH - "Such wondrous powers to music given, it elevates the Soul to heaven"
SIXTH - "Whilst thus we join in cheerful sound, may love and loyalty abound"
SEVENTH - "Though much against us may be said, to speak for ourselves we're not afraid"
EIGHTH - "Alfred James Sanderson. Died 10th November 1956. Bell ringer for sixty years, church warden 1941 until his death."