Applicant: Worlington Parochial Church Council
Location: East Worlington, Devon
Grant awarded: £50,000
Total project cost: £57,054
Grant programme: Your Heritage
Aims of the project
To restore the bells of East Worlington church in readiness for a Service of Dedication officiated by the Archdeacon of Barnstaple.
To involve the local school, parishioners and community groups in the restoration project and raise awareness of the historical value of the church bells.
Background
The Church of St Mary’s the Virgin in East Worlington dates back to 1244. Its tower contains six bells (dating from 1727 to 1910) with Ellacombe chiming hammers that enable the bells to be struck rather than tolled. For over ten years the bells have been silent as they were hopelessly out of tune and out of alignment. Furthermore the old oak bell frame was rotten and the tower damaged by the movement of the bells.
What did the project involve?
As soon as funding was confirmed the bells were sent to London to be restored and nine months later they were re-hung on their new frame in the belfry.
East Worlington Primary School were involved at every stage of the restoration process. As well as witnessing all the comings and goings of the bells, they were taught about their history and construction. As part of their studies, the pupils were introduced to the art of hand bell ringing and learnt to perform ‘Oranges and Lemons’. They also wrote poems and created a colourful banner representing the sound of the ringing bells that now hangs in the church.
To further raise awareness of the heritage of the church, its bells and the village, information boards and leaflets are on display and a series of talks are being given to local groups. Many have joined a waiting list to ring the bells and in 2008 the church will be hosting the Devon Association of Bell Ringers’ annual Ringing Festival.
What difference did the project make?
“One of the most successful aspects of our project (apart from renovating the bells) was the involvement of the local school. We have saved the heritage of the church and the bells, but the children have been a most important part of the process. It has been wonderful to see the children’s input, their enthusiasm and their learning on such a wide scale. As a result of this project the pupils have learnt a lot about a subject they otherwise would never have been exposed to.”
“The bells now have a secure future. We have established a maintenance programme and the parishioners will now take an active part in their preservation. The whole parish now knows that the bells work properly and enjoy the sound of the bells throughout the Little Dart Valley and beyond.” Lieutenant Colonel Peter Townsend.
How did the project meet our criteria?
- Ensured everyone can learn about, have access to and enjoy their heritage e.g. through a series of talks to local groups, instruction on bell ringing for community members, an exhibition and leaflets on the restoration and heritage of the church and a programme of activities for the village school.
- Provided evidence of strong support e.g. from the local primary school, Archdeacon of Barnstaple and the Council for the Care of Churches.
- Submission was well put together with quotes provided for the work and an experienced management team to deliver the project.
Useful tips
“Lessons learnt have been numerous and various. Firstly we have learnt an enormous amount about the history of our church, the bells, the process of manufacture and their use. Managing the project has been a real eye opener with its intricacies and complications concerning the relationship between the bells and the structure of the tower. Obtaining funding for the project was difficult, but once the doors were opened help came easily and willingly. Organising the project was difficult but great fun. As confidence grew the project became easier to manage; helped a great deal by the professionals involved, especially the Lottery staff.” Lieutenant Colonel Peter Townsend.