PembroKe Bell Restoration
Pembroke bells to be restored.
Bells have rung in the church of St. Mary’s, Pembroke since the 1760s but they are now in a terrible state. Notoriously challenging to ring and out of tune, the bells need significant work to save them and improve them to the standard the historic Norman tower deserves.
Several different bell founders cast the eight bells in different years. For Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, six bells were restored and two new ones added. To save the bells as part of the history and heritage of Pembroke Town, the Pembroke Bell Ringers are undertaking an extensive restoration project.
We will take the bells out for re-tuning, rebuild the bell frame further down the tower and rehang the bells with new fittings. We will add two new bells to make a peal of ten*. The ringers and volunteers will carry out as much of the labouring work as possible to reduce costs, under the guidance Guild Bell Restoration Officer, Peter Hayward and Blyth & Co. Church Bell Specialists.
This exciting heritage project will safeguard the bells for the next few hundred years, to be enjoyed by all, for many generations to come.
£100,000 plus VAT is the cost of refurbishment for the ring of eight bells. Two additional bells would be £20,912.00 plus VAT.
We have raised £34,000 including promises so far (October).
You can help choose the new bell dedications/inscriptions if you buy a bell.
If you would like to donate a bell, help out or learn how to ring please contact Anne Bunker abunker@marineseen.com 07977 541520
Gethin and Iestyn taking the wheels off the back 3 bells.
Bellringers for the Palm Sunday service
The 8 bells and the board describing them.