St Edward the Confessor, Netley (January 2024)
Following the overhaul of the bells and fittings, with the bells being retuned and ¼ turned on new headstocks etc., with the frame strengthened and sound control installed, the BSC went to inspect the work. Also, the Ellacombe chimes have been reconditioned with new ropes. The work had all been carried out to a very hight standard
St Thomas, Woolton Hill (April 2024)
The BSC received a request from the Steeple Keeper at Woolton Hill to inspect the bells and advise on their condition. All was in generally good order with one or two points that needed addressing. Both the ropes and pulleys are worn. Some of the stays have been replaced and are not shaped correctly causing wear to some slider running boards where the stay had been fouling the board. Unlike the other bells, the tenor clapper has no grease cap, and we advised applying some lubricant to the pivot. There was also some woodworm infestation that was advised.
St Mary, Old Alresford (May 2024)
The BSC went out to St Mary’s to inspect the welding and repairs to bell 5. All was fine and it is good to have these bells back in action after being silent for a few years.
Belfry Maintenance Education Day (June 2024)
On 1st June the BSC held a Belfry maintenance training day at St James, Bramley. St James was chosen as there are good hall facilities there for a power point presentation and refreshments. The climb up into the bells is easy and there is a good mix of fittings, and as a rehang is happening soon there is plenty to see there. It was well attended with four students, and we will run another course this year, with some already on the waiting list.
All Saints, Basingstoke (June 2024)
The BSC went out to inspect the replacement of the headstock on bell 5 and all was good.
Old St Mary’s, Hartley Wintney (June 2024)
As per previous years, the BSC went out to Old St Mary’s, Hartley Wintney which is in the hands of The Redundant Churches Commission. The “Friends of Old St. Mary’s” committee who look after the church and help fund raise asked for help again this year. The Friends have had LED lights put in powered by solar panels on the tower top as there is no power supply to Old St Mary’s.
Church of the Holy Cross, Binsted (October 2024)
Following the replacement of the pulleys and blocks, the twist turning of the clappers the BSC inspected the work which was fine.
St Martin, Ellisfield (October 2024)
The BSC went to St Martin’s with protective clothing and masks to clear out a mass of twigs, bird detritus and sadly a dead owl. There was a great deal up there to clear, and the church warden then made repairs to the louvre netting to prevent a reoccurrence.
St Mary, Preston Candover (November 2024)
Following the success with the clearing up of bird infestation at Ellisfield a repeat performance was undertaken at Preston Candover. The amount of twigs had to be seen to be believed and about 50 sacks were cleared and burnt on a bonfire.
The Church of the Blessed Mary of Upham (December 2024)
The BSC went out to Upham to inspect repairs to the bells, rebushed and repaired clappers, new stays and repairs to some sliders and regrease bearings with new seals where necessary.
| Income | Expenditure | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £.p | £.p | ||
| Balance b/f | 120.00 | Maintenance books for course | 48.00 |
| Sale of maintenance books | 51.00 | Hall hire for Maintenance course | 32.00 |
| Maintenance course attendance fees | 30.00 | PPE for helping to clear pigeon guano and nesting material at St Martin’s, Ellisfield | 37.05 |
| Balance c/f | 83.95 | ||
| £201.00 | £201.00 | ||
Martin Barnes