Eastwood Bell Repair Fund

St. Mary's Church Eastwood are fundraising to complete essential maintenance repairs on the bell frame that holds the 8 bells. The frame was previously maintained in 1984 and requires striping, repairing and repainting with a protective paint. Due to the spacing and complexity of the project, this cannot be completed by the local volunteer ringers and therefore requires a specialist bell hanger to complete.

The maintenance work will ensure that historical bells which have been in our town since 1784 and the current 8 bells since 1905, can continue to ring for many years to come which bring the community together in times of joy, sorrow and celebration - from ringing each week for services, celebrating weddings and national events such as the coronation or being a national symbol tolling for remembrance or funerals. 

The bells have notably rang to mark the Millennium, New years Eve, The passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Coronation of King Charles III as well as numerous weddings, Funerals and even just to mark the hour.

We have around 20 local ringers that support the church ranging from 10 to 80 years old - some of whom this is their only weekly activity they participate in. Not only does it provide physical benefits, ringing supports cognitive functioning and is a social activity too. We work together as a team to ensure that the joyous sound echoes through our streets.