Bells restored for Bognor handringing group

Members of the Bognor Regis Handbell Ringers group have shiny bells to ring at last.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Sep 2009, 18:32 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:04 BST

The group was founded in 1945 by Chichester High School for Boys teacher Ron Ashton and it is believed the 27 bells are even older.

Two years ago, the group decided on a 3,500 refurbishment programme to bring the bells back to their former glory.

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Due to the high cost it was done in two phases, first replacing their inner mechanisms and then replacing the leather handles and burnishing the metal surface back to its original look. With the help of 500 from Age Concern and 150 from Bersted Parish Council the bells were sent away for the first phase in July last year.

It was done by London's Whitechapel Bell Foundry '“ the only foundry capable of it '“ and cost nearly 1,500. The group then raised further funds and obtained more grants '“ 1,000 from the Joint Western Arun Area Committee and 250 from Bognor Regis Town Council '“ enabling it to return the bells to Whitechapel in July for the 2,000 final phase.

The ringers' secretary Pauline Allsopp said: "The improvement in the sound of the bells is remarkable, and with the transformation in their look it is like having a new set of bells.

"All the members are delighted with the outcome. Raising the funds was quite hard at times, but it was certainly well worth it.

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"We now have effectively a new set of handbells which will last the group for many years.

"I must thank all those who gave us grants, together with all the nursing homes and other organisations who supported us, both to refurbish the bells and also to raise significant sums for the Friends of Bognor Regis Hospital."

The group will soon be showing off their newly-sparkling instruments in a Christmas handbell concert. It will be held in aid of the Friends of Bognor Regis Hospital at the Felpham Memorial Village Hall on Thursday, December 10, at 2.30pm.

For enquiries call Pauline Allsopp on 01243 586838.

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