A ringing endorsement for a Norfolk church will see its 300-year-old bells restored - and finally chiming in tune.
The bells of All Saints Church in Litcham, which hang in a 17th century brick tower, are "notoriously difficult to ring".
But after years of fundraising, and now a £135,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, they will be removed and repaired.
Bellringer Tim Angell said: "We have six bells, four of which are listed as being of historical importance, dating back to shortly after the church tower was built in 1669.
"The last major work was carried out in 1914, when the fifth bell was recast, but they have never been properly in tune and are notoriously difficult to ring.”
Generous donations
Mr Angell, who is also the project manager, started fundraising for the bells in 2008.
The total budget for the work, which includes refurbishing the church clock, which dates from 1725, is a little over £160,000.
Funds were also raised by Litcham Parish Council, the Friends of All Saints Church charity, the Norwich Diocesan Association of Ringers’ Bell Restoration Fund and many individuals.
Mr Angell said: “We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to all those who have generously donated, including all those who have helped us by buying National Lottery tickets."
'Ambition for the future'
Work will centre on the tuning of the bells and replacement of the very worn fittings.
Jayden Stebbings, an 18-year-old bellringer, said: “From a young age I've always been passionate about bell ringing, particularly the sound and the harmonics of the bells and the handling and bell control.
"My ambition for the future is to hopefully work with bells and it will be very beneficial to have this opportunity.”
The clock has already been taken to Cumbria for repair. The bells will be removed over two days, beginning on Wednesday, June 18.
The bellhangers, Whites of Appleton, will be on hand to talk about the bells to the general public from 2pm on Thursday, June 19, before they are taken to their works in Oxfordshire.
The likelihood is that the bells and clock will be away from the church for three or four months before being reinstalled.
Community involvement
The project will also involve promoting and sharing the heritage of the bells and church, including working with local schools.
Another feature will be environment-related including churchyard conservation workshops planned in partnership with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and the installation of swift nesting boxes in the tower.
“In case you're wondering, swifts will quite happily nest right next to church bells,” said Mr Angell.
"It's wonderful and very exciting that the work can finally begin," he said.
"I’m very much looking forward to hearing the newly restored bells later this year. My hope is that many future generations will be able to enjoy the pleasures of ringing.”
History of All Saints Church
The current church structure was largely rebuilt between 1348 and 1369, likely expanded during the economic recovery that followed the mid-14th century.
It was re-consecrated on the Feast of St Botolph, June 17, 1412 - a milestone marked by the church’s 550th anniversary celebrations in 1962.
The present brick tower was added in 1669, a gift from Matthew Halcott, a wealthy local tanner who is depicted on the village sign.
The church clock, dating from 1725, was made by Morris of Swaffham.
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