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<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS">A minor correction to Anne Willis -
Matthew Slocombe is the deputy Secretary of SPAB. The Secretary is Philip
Venning, who wrote the Telegraph letter (and signed it as Secretary). A minor
point, but we ought to get it right.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS">SPAB have had a bee in their bonnet
about bellframes for some time, and publish a partially helpful but
partially ill-informed booklet on the subject. It has always annoyed me
that they insist on stating that bellframe loss is a current phenomenon - the
rate of loss was at its greatest in the earlier years of the C20th when a) the
heritage lobby was less powerful and b) more bell restoration work was being
done. If the bellhanger recommended a new frame, then the advice was accepted by
all parties - not so now!!! Also, they do not seem to accept that bellframes can
ever reach the end of their useful life.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS">The fact that they are exploring HLF
grant-making processes is rather worrying. The CCCBR should be making sure that
the HLF appreciates that renewal is usually only proposed where there is quite
widespread agreement that it is necessary (and that insistence on retention is
an "extremist" view) - and that frames do get restored (and kept in use) when it
is accepted as practicable</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS">All the letters submitted make useful
points, but I rather thought Carl's view from over the pond was especially
helpful. I hope it will make it into print</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS">CP</FONT></DIV>
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