The last major work to be carried out on the bells of Southwark Cathedral was in 1965 when the lightest six bells were re-hung on (then) modern fittings. With regular use the fittings inevitably wear over time and it is now necessary to replace them and re-hang the bells. This will have the following benefits:
– The bells will continue to be heard for the next generation rather than being allowed
to fall into disrepair
– The bells will be made physically easier to ring with modern fittings making the “go” of the bells easier.
– The bells will be made easier to get good rhythmical ringing by correcting the timing variations between the bells (known as “odd-struckness”)
– Although they will inevitably remain challenging due to their weight, fewer visiting ringers and members of the local bellringing associations will be put off by the bad go and odd-struckness (see above), so the bells will be available for more people to ring. To achieve this, the intention is to remove the bells from the tower in order to:
– Carry out tightening and strengthening work on the frame
– Make alterations to some of the bells to enable them to hang in correct alignment
– Make alterations to some of the bells to enable the clappers to hang straight within the bell
– Re-hang the bells in the existing frame (which predates the bells), with all new fittings
In order to carry out this work we are looking to raise £200,000. Please consider donating to the appeal:
– Online: https://www.cafonline.org/charityprofile/Southwark-Cathedral-Development-Trust/CCRegNo1069914
(Please make it clear in the special instruction that your donation is for the "Bells Rehang Project")
– Post: Bells Rehang Project, Southwark Cathedral Development Trust,
London Bridge, London SE1 9DA.
