A SIZEABLE donation left by a former bell ringer has contributed to the “much-needed” renovation of the bells of St Nicholas Church in Marston.

The bells at the parish were in dire need of repair as it transpired they had not been rotated since 1923, leading to significant wear on one side.

The concern was that the consistent strain on the bell in one place could cause the bell to crack.

The dozen bell ringers at St Nicholas were attempting to raise the £30,000 required to repair the bells at a foundry in Whitechapel.

But former captain of the tower, Roy Jones, left approximately £15,000 in his will to pay for the renovation and keep the bells ringing across the neighbourhood.

The former pharmacist died in May 2014, aged 78, from bronchial pneumonia.

He had lived in Oxford his whole life and was a well respected member of the Marston community, also serving as a town councillor.

The new captain of bells at the church, Anthony Hughes, said the gift has helped the parish reach its goal.

Mr Hughes, a former researcher in global seismology, said that the rest of the bell ringers have worked tirelessly to raise the rest of the money.

The 70-year-old Oxford Road resident, who was awarded an OBE for his services to global seismology, said: “The bell ringers have been donating their fees for weddings to the fund, and we have also raised money at bric-a-brac sales and church fetes.

“We’ve also applied for grants at a number of different trusts who have given money for the restoration of the bells.”

The church tower has six bells in it, the heaviest weighing about 700kgs.

The oldest five bells were installed in 1825 and in 1972 the bell ringers raised enough money to install a sixth bell.

The father-of-one said: “This has been a funding effort that has taken about two years.

“We’re pleased that the bells will be ready and can be used by ringers for years to come.

“We will also be putting on some sound dampening equipment to train younger people and potential bell ringers so there won’t be too much ‘bad noise’ ringing all around Marston.”

There are 12 bell ringers currently at St Nicholas, pealing out melodies for weddings, funerals and Sunday services.

The bells were removed from the tower in the last week of July, a task which took about two days to complete. It is hoped that the bells will be installed back in the church by late September.