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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Firstly, I declare an interest. I was taught
to ring at Bremhill in 1970 & still ring there weekly. I initiated &
completed a scheme to improve the ring - go, sound, removal of cast in staples
etc. This followed analysis by a number of very helpful & competent bell
hangers & bell tuners - all stated the bells were very out of tune compared
to any modern scale.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I was brought up with the sound of Bremhill
bells & they sounded fine to me -partially helped by a meaty 6 in a
good tower. They did not sound so fine to those with a better ear. The 4th was
replaced in 1770 & the 2nd in 1826. So Billy Bowles, whose residence was the
nearest property to the tower, left that legacy - the bells were not brought
into tune until 2001 & the 1826 2nd was far too flat - forcing the other
bells to be tuned down. The tenor went from an actual 19.1.11 in F to 17.2.5 in
E.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I've not heard anything but praise for the sound of
the bells following the tuning in 2001 & I've no regrets over initiating a
project which changed their sound. Hard to see how a chap with a chipping hammer
could match an expert with a lathe.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>All the details, before & after recordings
& analysis by Bill Hibbert are on his website - Bill was a very welcome get
at the re-dedication service.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I'm pleased that Chris Dalton had the opportunity
to re-visit the belfry after tuning - on 13/2/03 he wrote : I am planning to
give the list of pitches for Bremhill, especially in view of the staggeringly
successful transformation brought about by the tuner. The draft entry by CD for
Bremhill includes: As a ring, these bells sounded cheerless & somewhat out
of tune - in particular the 2nd was flat - with an especially mournful sounding
tenor. ..... A vast improvement was made in 2001.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>( I've removed the name of the tuner - although he
& all the professionals involved deserve great credit for all aspects of
their work - the same team brought about another transformation at
Hilmarton in 2005)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Billy Bowles was not rated as a poet & I think
his ear was probably worse than mine! It is possible that the words were written
before the 1826 replacement bell arrived - one of the last bells from
Aldbourne. I suggest most rings of bells heard by Billy Bowles didn't
match the quality we find in most churches today - probably 90% sound better
today?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Regards</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ken Webb</FONT></DIV>
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