[Bell Historians] Portsmouth Guildhall Clock Chime[play up pompey]

[Allan R Yalden]

-----Original Message-----
From: "Robert Lewis"  

There have been local tv news reports that the busted clock chime at 
Portsmouth Guildhall is to be replaced by "an electronic one" (on cost 
grounds).

There is campaign at the moment being run by the P. Evening News to persuade the council to fund repair to the framework which is where the nub lies. The Guildhall suffered major fire damage during the blitz circa 1941 and only the shell of the buiding survived with the bell and metal frame and their fixed mounts.  I think the lib dem led council today agreed to fund the conservation of the bells as non ringing and to provide an electronic substitute budgeted at £200k. The tories were quoted as saying when they get in  they would recind that decision and get them working properly.
BTW they were reipaired with the guildhall in the early 50s and it was the frame being safety checked a few years ago that finally pulled the plugged. 

They have played a recording of the old chime - Westminster.  Does anyone 
know what is currently in the tower (sounds like they may be tubular bells 
or gongs

They have been silent for a few years.

ARY