Bell ringing |
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The church has a ring of eight bells re-hung by John Warner and Sons in 1877 following the rebuilding of the tower in the previous year. Three of the bells, the present fourth (Thomas Mears, 1810), sixth (James Bagley, 1712) and seventh (Ellis Knight, 1637) were retained from the ring of six that had hung in the old tower, with the other three bells (the present second, third and fifth) being ‘recast’ with the treble and tenor added to form the present ring of eight. [Click here for full details of the bells] The bells have their original fittings (including plain bearings) which are now very worn and repair work is often needed to keep them ringing. During 2005, a small working party cleared out over 54Kg of accumulated rubble, guano and congealed oil from the belfry, cleaned the sliders and runner boards, and oiled/greased other working parts. A small improvement in the ’go’ of the bells has been noticed but a restoration of the complete installation is now long overdue. Over the last few years, many members of the Acton band have moved away and there are now insufficient members to sustain practice or regular service ringing. However, with assistance from ringers at other towers in the area (in particular, Chiswick, Barnes, Willesden and Twickenham) there is a monthly quarter peal, usually after morning service on the first Sunday of each month. There is also an occasional Sunday afternoon practice before evensong on the third Sunday of the month. The bells are hard work for their size but if anyone wants to join us for a quarter peal or at a practice they will be very welcome, please get in touch with the Tower Captain. At weekends and on weekday evenings the bells are also available for quarter peals and for general ringing by visiting bands, subject to bookings in the church or adjacent church hall. Please get in touch with the Tower Captain. For further information or to request to ring at Acton, please contact the Tower Captain, James White, on 01252 662043 (H), 07931 195595 (M) E-mail: jw_home@ntlworld.com |
