Cambridge (Bells)

Cambridge is a gorgeous little chocolate-box town just east of the big city of Hamilton; a favoured spot for retirees, particularly those who sell expensive houses in Auckland and buy a ‘lifestyle plot’ down here. The town is extremely well manicured and has all the comforts that a wealthy retired community might want - which includes a perfect little wooden church.

The church is made all the more lovely by its having 6 bells hung for full circle ringing - but sadly the bells are too heavy for the tower and would make the church fall down if they were rung 'full-circle'. But they do get chimed and, so far as is possible, standard patterns of call changes are used – as in the photograph below (12345 etc). Curiously the bells are made of steel and are therefore unusually heavy, though the quality is a lot better than the expected bucket-like sound.  Among those who know, it's reckoned Mr Vickers was just about getting it right by the time he made these bells - though 'hanging' them properly seems to have been another matter.