Carillon Tower work is on track
APPARENTLY there’s been a few misconceptions, so there are a couple of things that need clearing up...
First when all the scaffolding eventually comes down from Loughborough’s Carillon Tower, people are not going to see a bright fresh green, or even copper, gleaming dome on the skyline.
Charnwood Borough Council wants to highlight £280,000 work on the Grade II listed war memorial is for conservation only, not a refurbishment.
But that’s not to say that there won’t a be a fresh look in some parts, most noticeably on the ground level.
And yes ... it will be ready in time to mark the 100th anniversary of the Great War in November.
The Echo was granted exclusive access to the monumental building, which was erected as a war memorial to the local men who gave their lives while serving their country.
Construction ended in 1923 and the 46-metre high tower was officially opened on July 22, 1923.
And it’s a testament to the craftsmanship of those original builders that it has kept in such great shape.
The copper dome, just an amazing few millimetres thick, has long since turned green, but has needed surprisingly little amount of repair work.
The same chemical reaction which turned the dome green, has also produced a marvellous effect on the stone at the tower base.
The conservation work, in removing the moss at the base has revealed a striking blue tinge from the copper chemicals seeping downwards through rain water down the years into the white stones.
The tower houses 47 bells, crafted by John Taylor Bell Foundry in Loughborough and the clavier, which chimes the bells, is being fully conserved with the striking elements of each bell refurbished by the foundry.
Along with other conservation projects on the tower, the work also includes the restoration of leaded windows, repairs on the louvres and work on the bronze plaques.