Church handed funding to replace bellringing ropes

Phil Wilkinson Jones
Local Democracy Reporting Service
LDRS Councillor Martin Allen stood holding one of the new ropes with six bellringers at the church. He is wearing a navy blue suit with a stripey blue and white shirt, as well as a yellow and blue striped tie. LDRS
Funding has been secured to replace bellringing ropes for the team at St Mary's

A Worcestershire church has been given funding to replace its bellringing ropes.

The ringing of the bells at St Mary's Church in Kempsey dates back to the 17th Century but the special ropes to help the dings dong are in need of replacing.

Worcestershire County Council member Martin Allen has allocated £800 from the £10,000 pot that each councillor is allocated a year to support projects in their ward.

"I understand that the upkeep of such a worthwhile historic part of our history is not cheap, and I am delighted to have provided the funding to replace the worn-out ropes," he said.

Mr Allen, Green, added: "It's important that traditions that make us what we are today continue."

Tower captain at St Mary's Church Mike Harrison said: "Anyone who is interested in learning a new skill would be warmly welcome.

"Visitors with advanced notice can pop up the tower on Thursday evenings from 19:30 BST to watch a practice session or learn about how to join.

"We are currently fundraising for repairs and maintenance work to ensure their working operation for the next 100 years."

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