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After a survey of the tower, he believed that a frame for eight bells could be fitted. The PCC agreed, and made him project co-ordinator to obtain quotations for the work. Astonishingly, Mr Maybrey told me, a faculty was quickly granted by Truro diocese, and tenders came in. But bells are not cheap, and the “Island Parish”, as the BBC dubbed it, has six churches that have to be supported by a total population of 2000; so funds had to be found from elsewhere.
Metal from the old bell defrayed some of the cost, and Mr Maybrey concluded that the need was for eight benefactors who were prepared to pay £15,000 each. In return, they could choose a Christian name — their own, or as a memorial — to be cast into the bell.
The appeal was launched at Easter, and by Whitsun they have already had the promise of six bells. They are to be named Valerie, Edward, Diana (after the Princess), Ann, and Henry. A bell named Mary will be the “community bell”, paid for by smaller donations from the islanders and visitors. Only two more to go, Mr Maybrey says, but even if they do not get them, they will still install a frame for eight.
And they have a deadline. A couple of bell-ringers who celebrate their golden wedding in June 2009, and who spent their honeymoon on the Scilly Isles, are planning to return for a celebratory ring. |
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