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<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Firstly, the front seven bells are by Robe=
rt Wells=20
of Aldbourne, 1771. The Tenor is by Rudhall 1716. None is listed for=20
preservation.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>At an early stage in discussions on this p=
roject, I=20
was asked by English Heritage what I knew about these bells. I rang on=
them=20
regularly for 36 years. I do still ring there on occasions.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Initially, EH wanted to retain all of the =
canons.=20
However, I made a plea on the part of the parish that removal of the canons=
was=20
the only way forward in achieving much-needed improvements to the 'go'=
of=20
these bells. This was backed-up by Brian White who rehung the bells. Eventu=
ally,=20
a compromise was reached as Brian considered that he could effect the desir=
ed=20
improvements whilst retaining the canons on the top four bells. With sympat=
hetic=20
tuning, the bells are greatly improved in the sound that is produced and in=
the=20
'go'. This is all the more remarkable given that this heavy eight is hung a=
t the=20
top of a slender tower. I can only reiterate what others have said and that=
is=20
that Whites and Whitechapel are to be congratulated in achieving a most=20
satisfactory outcome.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>During the initial discussions with EH I d=
id make=20
the point that retaining the canons of the top four would be lost, not=
=20
least because of a tower nearby with five bells by Robert Wells all with ca=
nons.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>As far as I am aware, the matter was not r=
eferred=20
to the CCC, although it is my presumption that through my membership of tha=
t=20
committee my views were canvassed. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Neil Skelton.</FONT></DIV>
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