Par Time and Tide Bell Project

by Friends of Par Beach in Par, England, United Kingdom

Par Time and Tide Bell Project
We did it
On 1st October 2021 we successfully raised £5,020 with 47 supporters in 31 days

We aim to install a unique tidal Bell to act as a focus and raise awareness of Global Warming, Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels.

by Friends of Par Beach in Par, England, United Kingdom

 New stretch target

With extra funding we would add an interpretation/information board on the site to highlight the aims and objectives of the project.


The Par Time and Tide Bell1627397046_parbeachbell.jpg

This project is a fantastic opportunity to showcase local talent, drive change and bring county and national attention to the area. As outlined below, the costs involved in producing the bronze Bell, alongside the work involved in getting it to Par are being generously covered by the organisers of Time and Tide Bell, at total value of over £30,000.

It is now down to us, the local community, to source the remaining funds to ensure we can install and take ownership of this unique work of art. The Parish Council, Friends of Par Beach and individuals in the community are already supporting the project but we need your help!

Why we need your help 

We need to raise an additional £10,000.

We need in-kind help from the Community, with volunteer support of marketing and planning the installation event.

From Industry with specialist equipment for the installation of the Par Time & Tide Bell.

INTRODUCTION

Friends of Par Beach are very pleased to have been asked to take over as lead group on this fascinating project that will happen on Par Beach in the near future.

Have a look at  www.timeandtidebell.org to get an idea about how the project works. It will be highlighting Global Warming and Rising Sea Levels, very relevant to Par and St Blazey in the future, and will also include artistic and creative work to accompany the actual installation of the Bell. As explained below, Par has been chosen as the only location in Cornwall, so will bring increased status to our area, in the form of more visitors, good for local business, and the chance for local people to get involved in many aspects of the whole project, which is part of a nationwide initiative. We are very pleased to be involved to help bring some increased interest in our favourite beach.

OVERVIEW

Time & Tide Bell is a National Community Art project focused on the current climate crisis:

‘Celebrating and reinforcing connections in local communities, between different parts of the country, between the land and the sea, between ourselves and our environment’.

7 Bells have been installed across the UK since 2008. Following submissions from five locations in the county, we are excited to announce that Par has been selected as the only Cornish location to be awarded a Bell, enabling Par Bay to join a unique, nationwide community of Bell locations.

1627397203_timeandtide_beachbell.jpg

OPPORTUNITY

In line with Cornwall Council’s new Creative Manifesto and stated ambition to become the UK’s leading rural economy; we see this as an exciting opportunity to add to our existing creative and cultural capital, enhance existing community projects, and bring national attention to our wonderful home.

1627397238_timeandtide_sonicbell.jpg

THE BELL

The Bell’s form was designed by artist Marcus Vergette in collaboration with Dr Neil McLachlan. Each Bell is cast in bronze and over the years is turned green by the sea. Each Bell is 1.7 meters tall, mounted to ring at high tide through the action of the waves. Uniquely, one strike sounds different notes; one after another as a melody. A chorus playing out across the UK coastline, connecting us together in a unified message, a call for action. Bringing much needed attention to the gradual rise of sea level due to climate change – particularly relevant here in Par.

WHERE WE ARE AT…

Currently Friends of Par Beach, alongside dedicated members of the local Parish Council and community, are working together to ensure this Bell can be installed on Par Beach. Marcus has always intended that each Bell should celebrate the uniqueness of its location. He has produced for Par a design covered in decorative, white-glazed ceramic, honouring our industrial heritage. A location has been selected within the course of the old shipping route, so that from the beach the bell will create an iconic image, relating to the history of the landscape, as shown below.

1627397301_timeandtide_beachsite.jpg

The Time and Tide Bell organisation gift the Bell and support its installation. There is also a programme of outdoor education for primary age children linked to the Bells. Alongside this, they have supported two major arts commission’s chosen from a field of 82 applicants nationally. The first is a film lasting 24 hours & 50 minutes (the length of the lunar day) constructed from images of the many bell communities.

The second commission will be centred on Par, through the work of The Urban Playground Team, a multi-award-winning dance-theatre company based in the heart of the village. Building on their reputation for work with communities, The UPG Team will create a touring performance with a whole range of participation activities built in. This entertaining and thought-provoking show will tour to Bell sites in the region but will be born and made here in Par Bay!

It is being designed with the potential to have real meaning for coastal communities around the country, whilst linking back to our own Bell, our community and our incredible creative, cultural sector.

Thank you!

Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£15 or more

£15 Reward

Annual individual membership to Friends of Par Beach.

£18 or more

£18 Reward

Annual couple or family membership to Friends of Par Beach.

£50 or more

£50 Reward

Annual membership to Friends of Par Beach plus a 2022 FoPB Calendar.

£100 or more

£100 Reward

Annual membership to Friends of Par Beach plus a 2022 FoPB Calendar. Your name will be added to the Interpretation Board associated with the Par Time and Tide Bell.

£250 or more

£250 Reward

Annual membership to Friends of Par Beach plus a 2022 FoPB Calendar. Your name will be added to the Interpretation Board associated with the Par Time and Tide Bell. You will get a personal invite to the VIP launch event celebrating the Par Time and Tide Bell installation.

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