Appeal for help in keeping bells ringing for 150 more years at landmark Lytham church
“We would be grateful for any help in protecting this historic asset and sustaining an irreplaceable tradition for generations to come”
A landmark church in Lytham has launched an appeal to save its bells.
The Church of St John the Divine, facing Lytham Green, is a Grade II-listed building which dates back to 1849 and its tower houses a ring of six bells cast in 1875.
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Officials at the church say the bells represent an important part of both the town’s structural heritage and its living cultural heritage.
For 150 years, the bells have been rung regularly for Sunday services, weddings, funerals and community occasions, including national events, and are also rung for local celebrations such as Club Day.
But over the past year, the bells have been becoming increasingly difficult to ring, according to Lytham Bellringers spokesman Michael Phillips.
“We called in a professional surveyor from the Taylor’s Bell Foundry in Loughborough to do an inspection and the survey showed that the bells’ ancient oak frame was well past its best and in need of replacement,” said Michael.
“The proposal was to remove the existing timber frame entirely and replace it with a modern steel and cast iron bellframe system designed to secure the bells for hopefully another 150 years.
“The total project cost will be approximately £107,000 including VAT. We had hoped to be able to reclaim VAT under a Government scheme but sadly that finished in January this year.
“We have been fundraising and applying for grants for about a year now and we have managed to raise around £75,000.
“But even with further fund-raising efforts and help from companies we have contacted, we envisage a shortfall and any contribution would be welcome.”
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The bells have been taken away by the company which is doing the work and some of oak is being turned into souvenirs to help fund-raising, while the bell tower is also being weather-proofed while it is empty.
“The efforts so far demonstrate strong local commitment to preserving this heritage asset, as St John’s is an important ringing tower in the Fylde area,” added Michael.
“Losing it would be a significant blow not only locally, but also to the wider bellringing community.
“We would be grateful for any help in protecting this historic asset and sustaining an irreplaceable tradition for generations to come.”
Contributions can be made via the JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/st-johns-bells