Lowering the bells – Part 2

Monday afternoon 27/11/2017

The first bell had headstock removed while the belfry crew prepared the second bell.

The second bell down was bell 2, tipped on its side to remove the clapper and moved out of the vestry.

Everyone noticed and commented on the MADE MEE inscription.

Removing the headstock was a team effort.

Two down, three to go.

The third bell down was bell 1, the smallest bell, which found a temporary home in the corner of the vestry.

Fourth, and last of the day, was bell 4, coming down through the ringing chamber and into the vestry. 

The headstock was removed inside the vestry before the bell was moved outside.

The bells were transported on their pallets by trailer to safe storage for the night. 

Meanwhile, up in the belfry, work started on the last bell. Bell 5, the tenor.

The tenor was lifted out and measured to work out how to get it through the gap and the headstock was removed.

Just after 5pm and good use was being made of the electric lighting. Preparations were being made up in the belfry for the tenor bell to be lowered on Tuesday down through the silence chamber and ringing chamber to the vestry.