Newcastle-under-Lyme

[P. W. Gay]

The back eight at Newcastle have not been tuned since they were instaled in
about 1730.

The 1928 augmentation to ten did not involve any work on the old eight - the
trebles were installed in a new frame above and independent of the
eight-bell frame.

The story is that in 1953 Gilletts wanted to retune the bells when rehanging
in a ten-bell frame, but the local tower captain would not allow it. Other
Rudhall rings of the same vintage have tuned up well - Wrexham and Burton St
Modwen come to mind.

Phil Gay,
who is in a peal attempt on the back eight on Sunday.