Party time as church rings in a new era
A CHURCH is to celebrate the re-fitting of its historic bells this weekend.
Since April the bells at Christ Church, Healey, have been silent for the first time in 140 years to allow extensive renovations.
But they are now back in place and on Saturday a re-dedication service will be held at 4pm, followed by a hog roast barbecue to celebrate their return.
John Maloney, from the church, said: “Much of the work on the removal and refitting of the bells was carried out by a team of dedicated volunteers from the Lancashire Association of Bell Ringers, many of whom are retirees.
“They have given many hours of their time during these last few months, simply to ensure that these bells ring out again.
“They will be there on Saturday to receive the thanks of the community of Healey Parish.”
Earlier this year, during the refurbishment of the spire at Christ Church it was discovered that there was some ‘serious decay’ within the timbers of the bell frame.
The church has a peal of six bells, weighing in at between 372kg and 803kg, cast in Loughborough, by John Taylor & Co. They were first heard ringing out on the morning of Easter Sunday 1870.
Except in times of war they have been pealing out across the parish ever since.
All six were transported back to the John Taylor Bell Foundry, where they were restored and re-tuned before being mounted on a new steel frame and re-fitted in the tower.