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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>ST PETER PORT TOWN CHURCH</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>1. I have a good number of colour prints of the
old installation before removal, and when I have the owner's permission I
will scan one or two general views to the Moderator.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2. The 1913 ring was actually exchanged for the
1736 bells. The frame was reused and the fittings of the former
ring were affixed to the latter with minimal alterations. The result
was curious, even interesting, but hardly significant, let alone worthy of the
Town Church. It is clear from various sources that the principal object of the
1913 work was to provide a chime; the only thing new other than the bells
was the chiming apparatus. The other fittings being then still usable allowed of
attempts to ring the bells. The development of the art of ringing in the Channel
Islands after 1970 had clear implications for the Town Church and these were
carried out in 1994 with the objective to aim at nothing less than excellence.
Both Whitechapel and Taylors quoted for such a job, and the 4' 0 1/2" Taylor
eight in Eb, in a wooden frame was selected.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>3. As to the 1913 ring, six of the bells were
used in casting a part of the new one. The treble is preserved at Castle Cornet,
the second at Taylors' Museum. Their tonal qualities may be objectively examined
in both places. The 7th had more inscription than quoted by FS. As to the
frame, it seems that the bellhanger was not unaware of the layout of a typical
English bellframe of the time, with each pair of bells (1/8; 2/3/; 4/5; 5/7)
swinging at right angles to the next pair. FS says the trebles were ropes
opposed; in fact they were like the others unopposed. List members will be
familiar with examples, many of later date than FS suggests. The fittings were
of English type components but French style and manufacture, as
one of the postings suggests. I think that a member of the Brocard firm came
over to England to see how it was done. It would be interesting to know where.
He then interpreted them in French style, like the bells. The result of
these labours is known to the few who either overcame the difficulties
of ringing there or came to view a campanological curiosity. The result of
the work carried out in 1994 is a complete restoration of the tower and a fine
toned ring of bells which should serve the Town rather longer than its two
predecessors. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>4. John David informs me that the clock bell, which
eluded Fred Sharpe (and myself) on our visits, is currently on the
ground, and although much eroded because of its exposed normal position is
nevertheless confirmed to be by J-B Brocard 1736; it is not one of the
eight of that year, but was cast especially for its current (interrupted)
purpose.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>ST HELIER, ST THOMAS RC CHURCH </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>List members who do not know may like to be aware
that the heavy five swinging bells (1/2 by Cornille-Havard, 3,4,5 by
Paccard, nos 1,3,4,5, 8 of 8) are currently at Taylors Eayre & Smith. Some
of the bells will be slightly tuned and all new balanced swinging fittings
provided. The frame of the trebles will be rearranged. The bells will be
electrically free swung with machinery more robust than the previous two
installations. The bells were originally rope swung, the first electrical
motors going in c1945 and the second lot in 1980.</FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>DLC</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>