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The two original bells
(1883 and 1943) in their wooden frame.
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The most generous gift of
two bells launched the Appeal and it rapidly became
a village project. Fund-raising events, together
with donations and grants, raised, in less than two
years, the incredible sum of over
£60,000.
In the spring of 2000 the
original bells were able to leave for the
foundry.
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The new bells were cast at
Taylor's Bell foundry, Loughborough in March
2000.
The original tenor bell
(1883) was retained and retuned; the other original
bell was recast.
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The first of July 2000 saw
a real village celebration with the arrival of the
new bells and their procession through the village
to the Village Green.
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The Service of Blessing
the Bells, on the Village Green.
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Sir Stanley Bailey, Appeal
patron, and Revd Canon Michael Jackson during the
service.
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The six bells on Ponteland
Village Green
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The
Festival Bell
The bi-ennial
Summer Festival of Pictures, Flowers and Music,
1999 raised a wonderful £10,250 in aid of the
Bells Appeal.
The inscription
around its rim reads
"Craftsman's art
and music's measure for Thy pleasure all
combine".
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The Parish Bell
The treble bell was given
by Ponteland Parish Council on behalf of the people
of Ponteland.
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The completed installation
- the bells were finally installed early in 2001,
by Pembletons and to the delight of ringers and
congregation alike first rang for service on 11
March 2001.
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9.45 - 10.00am
