First Covid memorial bells cast
CLOCK CHIME BEING CREATED AT FOUNDRY IN LOUGHBOROUGH
THE first three quarter bells of Loughborough’s planned Hope Bell project have been cast at John Taylor and Co bellfoundry over the weekend.
The project, backed by Loughborough Town Deal, will see the creation of a clock chime installation comprising four quarter chime bells and the main Hope Bell to sound the hours.
The Hope Bell will be a memorial to all those in Charnwood who have lost their lives in the pandemic and be a tribute to NHS and key workers. It will also be a beacon of hope for the future.
Councillor Jonathan Morgan, cochairman of the Loughborough Town Deal board and leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Bells have been made in Loughborough for over 180 years and they continue to be heard in towns and cities across the world.
“Therefore, it seems fitting that a bell will become the central focus of a lasting memorial to the impact Covid-19 has had on our communities.
“The Hope Bell will be a symbol of hope, thanks and remembrance.
“It was fascinating to see this centuries-old process in action and the creation of the first bells for this poignant project.”
Dr Nik Kotecha, co-chairman of the town deal board, said: “It is important to remember the lives lost in the pandemic and the impact Covid-19 has had on our communities and the Hope Bell is a way of doing that.
“It will also be a place for people to visit and reflect.
“The Hope Bell will also be a symbol of a brighter, more positive future which aligns with the aims and ambitions that the town deal has for the town of Loughborough.”
Andrew Wilby, trustee of the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, said: “We are honoured to play our part in the creation of this significant Covid memorial to the citizens of Charnwood.
“Now that three of the four quarter bells have been cast successfully, they will spend several days cooling in sand before they are broken out from the moulds, cleaned, and then tuned before a final polish.
“The process takes several weeks. “We look forward to casting the last quarter bell and the Hope Bell.”
The casting was part of a heritage open weekend at Taylor’s.
The four quarter bells will weigh between 3cwt (152kg) and 8cwt (406kg) and the main Hope Bell will weigh 1 ton 5cwt (1.27 tonnes), sound the note D and measure 4ft 4in (1.32m) in diameter.