THERE were celebrations at Wolvercote when the church bells rang out after six months of silence.

The six bells at St Peter’s Church were removed early in 1957 to be recast and give them a better tone.

The metal had worn and was considered to be too thin to give them the required sound.

It was the first time in 250 years that they had been taken out of the tower.

The work, carried out by John Taylor and Co, the famous bell-founders from Loughborough, Leicestershire, cost about £800.

It was suggested that Wolvercote should follow the village of Nether Worton and have peals played by gramophone over an amplifier, but the idea does not appear to have been pursued. Six months later, the bells were back in place and a dedication service was led by the Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Rev D G Loveday, and the vicar, the Rev M J Ottaway.

The Bishop told the congregation: “When the bells ring out again, they will bring joy to those who live within earshot, and they will be a perpetual reminder of the affection that is felt for this beautiful parish church and all that belongs to it.”

Memory Lane this week

 

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