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<p>On 31/01/2021 08:07, Andrew Aspland via Bell-historians wrote:<br>
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<div dir="ltr">And I very much agree with Chris!!
"They’re all the same opinion. Never knew such unanimity
on a point of law in my life!"</div>
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<div dir="ltr">We have some very "valuable" peals of bells
out there - as in valued by ringers - very many of which
are not listed and many of which would be a tragic loss
to our art, and to the soundscape of Britain, if they
were to be less valued by the decision makers.</div>
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<div dir="ltr">Listing may well help raise the awareness
of the importance of harmonic peals of bells. It is
probably not down to the listing of individual bells but
to the sets of harmonic bells - the "complete" peals.
However, the listing process, as it stands, identifies
bells of "historic significance" only. The single
criterion for bells cast after 1851 (that amazingly
significant date in history - don't get me started on
arbitrary dates used in history) is "Significant
examples of technical innovation." Thus, Norton,
Sheffield are listed as the first harmonic peal of bells
to leave the Loughborough foundry. No similar examples
are listed for the work of G&J or WBF.</div>
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<div dir="ltr">Perhaps the ChurchCare listing system is
not the right tool for this job. Is there a case for
formalising some sort of Preservation Society? And to
get such a society recognised by Historic England,
Church of England etc.</div>
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<div dir="ltr">Specifically regarding the works of Gillett
& Johnston (since an example that foundry's work
began this thread) I would have thought there was a
strong case for a society dedicated to their bells. It
is 65 or so years since the last G&J peal of bells
was cast and yet their window of casting harmonic bells
lasted for fewer than 50 years. They produced many
distinctive and beautiful peals of bells as well as very
many chimes and carillons which rank among the best. Of
their 1683 bells hung for ringing only the six bells at
Preschute are listed (and they don't fit any listing
criteria). </div>
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<div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Anyone out there have a
passion for such things?</div>
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<div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Attached is something to get
us started.</div>
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<p>The Code for bells etc covering listing implies that for bells
cast in the last 300 years only the rare / exceptional etc.
should be listed. So no expectation that all good rings are
Listed. (Does the same approach apply to Organs & Clocks?)<br>
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<p>Andrew lists 1,683 G&J bells including whole rings (&
back 8's etc.).</p>
<p>A search of Dove re England for 1896 - 2000 & any Founder
with a John Taylor prefix, about 7,875 bells are displayed
including rings (& clock bells at York etc.).</p>
<p>I assume most interested ringers etc. would not want to see any
of those melted down for scrap?<br>
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<p>I assume those who are most experienced would prefer to keep all
of these bells rather than, broadly, any Whitechapel bells from
1800 - 1900?</p>
<p>Should the Listing have a Grade code (like Buildings?). I assume
all Taylor bells from 1896 to 2000 are not of equally worth
keeping? So some may be Grade 1 & others Grade 5? Who will
judge? Who will decide & List?<br>
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<p>Should the Listing have a Reason code (say R for Ring, L for
Large, A or M for Appearance/Moulding)?</p>
<p>If 100 good rings become available soon & need to be moved
where will they go?</p>
<p>In terms of transfers, I suggest those rings cast since about
1900 will usually be in a good frame with modern fittings &
ideally the whole lot should be moved (if they can't be retained
in use in the existing building) to minimise costs - just need
some new foundation girders & a suitable tower!</p>
<p>Should the bell installation including the frame & fittings
have a Listing (by Grade & with a Reason) - even if it dates
from broadly 1900 to 2000?</p>
<p>Following this idea would stop nearly all new bell casting, most
tuning & most rehanging of existing rings.<br>
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<p>Ken<br>
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