BELFRY STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

1997 was another busy year for the Belfry Stewardship Committee (BSC). Due to the heavy commitments of the members, the committee met formally only once - in November. This meeting was the first of the new committee trimester, and as a result of the elections at the Guild AGM and decisions made at that meeting, Phil Watts was re-appointed convenor and Hugh Routh continues as Committee Treasurer. The role of Secretary remains vacant for the time being. At the Guild AGM, John Nundy (Catherington) formally stood down and Graham Wright (Bishopstoke) was elected to join the remaining five members. Of these, John David continues as corresponding member for the Channel Islands.

The start of the year saw progress on the Pilot Survey for the Guild-wide Bell Stock Survey that has been two years in the planning. This took place in the Petersfield Deanery of the Portsmouth Diocese. In the event responses were of high quality but low quantity, only about 25% having actually been returned by the year-end. However the information gained from the Pilot scheme provided useful input to a lengthy debate at the November committee meeting. As a result the committee agreed to launch the scheme Guild-wide in two phases, concentrating on the ringable towers first from about Easter 1998. District ADMs will have been briefed about this in early 1998 as a pre-cursor, but the success of the survey will rely heavily on the active involvement of members from each tower.

With the millennium approaching the number of tower inspections increased markedly during the year. The trustees of the BRF sought advice on proposed works in seven towers, including a planned augmentation from 3 to 6, and another involving the installation of a completely new ring of six.

This work required visits to five towers (Botley, Shanklin, Shorwell, St Barnabas, Southampton, and Whitwell), with general observations being given on two others (Lymington and Wolverton). One formal report to a PCC outstanding from an inspection late in 1996 was completed and forwarded to the Church architect early in the year. Additional advice was provided to the same architect in respect of prospective work arising from an inspection in 1995 to another tower in his care. It was however regretted that confused messages within the BSC and pressure of work among members prevented the committee from responding to a request for advice from Brockenhurst, and the committee apologises to them for this.

The BSC has also responded to two requests from the church authorities for advice. At Headbourne Worthy the PCC requested further advice and support as they progress plans to restore their early mediaeval 3-bell installation to swing chiming. This resulted in two site meetings during the year, one to demonstrate various chiming techniques and mechanisms in action for which Winchester College bells were used. Later, in the autumn, the convenor was present at a meeting between Church officers and DAC officials when technical advice was provided to aid discussions on the proposed works.

Meanwhile from the Isle of Wight, the BSC received a circuitous approach (via the Secretary of the Central Council!), from the recently installed incumbent of Holy Trinity, Ryde with St Michael (Swanmore) Ryde. He was seeking advice on the condition of the three steel bells at Swanmore and this offered our IoW member, Barry Downer, a chance to see these bells at close range. Probably by Naylor Vickers of Sheffield, they are hung for swing chiming with small metal wheels, and offer the possibility of being returned to use after some locally resourced remedial work. An opportunity to view the large single bell at Holy Trinity will be followed up later.

Another unusual find, was a previously not widely known, Ellacombe-chimed six (tenor circa 6 1/2 cwts.) housed in the small brick tower of St Paul, Sarisbury (overlooking Sarisbury Green). These bells (1 - 4 & 6 by Warner 1915, 5th by Richard Savil of London 1776) came to light following press coverage of a Bride’s plight that there was no one to “ring the bells” at her wedding. Portsmouth District members saved her day!

On the practical side of the committee’s work, the convenor ran a “Principles of Belfry Maintenance” Course in conjunction with the Guild Education Committee in the spring, centred on Ringwood. This event, held jointly with the DCA involved a number of attendees from both Hants and Dorset. Subsequently it prompted a telephoned request for advice from one of the Dorset towers represented. In this case the enquiry was regarding a possible crack in the crown of one of the bells. This had been discovered as a result of some pro-active steeple-keeping directly influenced by the course! Meanwhile maintenance work by the committee, overhauling Ovington bells, continues as time permits.

The committee has remained in contact with both DAC advisers during the year, and this has aided awareness and good relations in this key area of belfry stewardship. Finally my thanks to my committee colleagues - those, who are continuing, are newly joined or who have now retired from the BSC. There is always room for more members who will be warmly welcomed. No prior experience is necessary, just a desire to advance the stewardship of our bells.

Phil Watts