Inevitably the “Millennium effect” has had an influence on Bell Restoration activity across the Guild in 1997. Although a number of major projects are planned, involving hopefully financial assistance from the Millennium Commission’s allocation of funds, these works are yet to come to fruition. Those tasks that were completed in the year involved:
SS Peter & Paul, Hawkley (Alton and Petersfield District): recasting the tenor bell with additional metal to improve its tone and match within the existing ring of 8. The bell was removed and rehung by local ringers, and recast at the Whitechapel Bellfoundry Ltd. The work was dedicated to the memory of Charles Pound (obit 1993), Guild HLM and long-time Tower Captain at Hawkley.
St Mary, Kingsclere (Andover District): retuning and rehanging the octave in the existing timber bell frame with all new fittings, by John Taylor Bellfounders Ltd. This ring was rededicated on 22 December 1997.
All Saints, Odiham (Basingstoke District): Recast treble, other five bells retuned and the ring of six rehung with all new fittings in the existing timber frame - much strengthened, by the Whitechapel Bellfoundry Ltd.
St Thomas, Lymington (Christchurch and Southampton District): Refurbishment of clappers and other ringing fittings by Nicholson Engineering Ltd.
St Catherine, Wolverton (Basingstoke District): Recasting and hanging (by John Taylor Bellfounders Ltd) the fifth bell that was cracked during a peal earlier in the year.
St Nicholas, Brokenhurst (Christchurch and Southampton District): Refurbishment of clappers, pulleys and other ringing gear by Whites of Appleton.
St Mary’s Chapel, Winchester College, Winchester (Winchester District): Retuning and rehanging the existing six bells with all new fittings in a new metal frame positioned lower down the tower to reduce tower oscillation. Whites of Appleton are also undertaking this work.