BELFRY STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

The BSC had hoped that 1998 would be the “year of the Bell Stock Survey”, but in the event, with only 27% response by the end of the year, it turned out to be “the year the Bell Stock Survey was begun”. May I immediately record the committee’s thanks for the efforts of all who did sign up the BSC’s vision of “a clearer understanding of the state of our Guild’s belfries”; and who consequently responded with some very high quality information. From correspondence received, and comments overheard, it seems that in some quarters there is a thought that we were expecting towers to possess a combination of a structural engineer, an architect, and a bell hanger! However, the quality and detail offered by other towers, (where we know the compilers simply applied common sense, dedication, and a roll of colour film), shows that on the whole we were right in asking for the level of detail we did, and for the information to be provided by towers themselves.

The work of the survey has not ended, since there is already considerable data processing to be undertaken. So, the BSC earnestly hopes that remaining towers will get around to compiling a return and sending it in before too long. It is an ambitious project, but it is by no means beyond the scope of this Guild to complete it. And if we truly wish to bear out our own conviction that we are a leading and innovative Guild within the exercise, they we really must finish the job. It is certainly clear that our survey is seen by a number of senior national ringing figures as the potential prototype model for a much wider exercise.

During 1998 the committee met on two occasions. At our first meeting we welcomed both Chris Sheath from Bournemouth (a newly co-opted member), and Graham Grant (Winchester DAC Bells Advisor) whose attendance helped to further develop our close relationship with this aspect of the Belfry Stewardship process. Late in the year we learned that Neil Skelton of Salisbury had decided to stand down as DAC Bells adviser to the Diocese of Portsmouth. The Diocese then formally approached the Guild for recommendations on a successor. The Guild was pleased to recommend Hugh Routh of Steep as our nominee. I understand that his appointment will be confirmed shortly. (The BSC extends thanks and good wishes to Neil for his support to our work over the past four and a half years).

As usual, issues discussed within the committee were wide ranging, though naturally the Bell Stock Survey featured large in our deliberations. I am particularly grateful to colleagues on the committee who devoted time to make presentations to District ADMs in early 1998, clarifying our plans in this regard. Other topics discussed included monitoring the progress of the various restoration projects planned or in hand during the year - most linked either financially, or in spirit, to the impending Millennium. In this latter respect, the BSC continued to lend support to the Guild’s “Ring in 2000” Group during the year.

The consultative services of the committee were called upon much less than in 1997, reflecting perhaps the progress of these millennium projects from planning to realisation over the two years. However, oral advice was proffered to St Mary, South Baddesley, where plans were in hand to restore and rehang the William Tosier bell there - its discovery apparently extending by a year the range of known bells by that founder. Close support continued to be given to Headbourne Worthy, leading to a satisfactory restoration of these bells. The committee convenor was privileged to be invited to assist in training a group of enthusiastic parishioners to swing chime the 8 cwt three, and to be present at their “re-dedication” during a Christmas Carol Service.

Other members of the committee have provided informal advice to the Chapel of Ease of St Paul, Bishopstoke (1 bell), and in endeavouring to provide wheel repairs at St Peter and Holy Cross, Wherwell. The committee has also continued with its long-term commitment to overhauling the bells at Ovington. A request to get the three bells of Hinton Ampner ringable for a wedding unfortunately could not be pursued, due to insufficient time and to the scale of the remedial works needed. The belfry here has considerable accumulations of debris and the fittings need careful maintenance before the bells are safe to ring. It is unfortunate that the interest that such requests generate locally at “the time of need” usually doesn’t get turned into viable repair schemes in a more realistic time-scale.

However the raised awareness of belfry stewardship matters did result in the committee running an “Advanced Belfry Maintenance” Course at North Stoneham in the autumn, on behalf of the Education Committee. Finally at the year-end, the committee received a formal request to provide a full inspection of a ring of eight in the C&S District, in anticipation of a need for a programme of “servicing” of the installation.

In thanking my fellow committee members for their support during the year, may I make particular reference to Ken Waller who has not enjoyed the best of health lately, and to whom we extend best wishes for a speedy recovery to full fitness.

Phil Watts