[Bell Historians] Stays

[Mike Chester]

Though not in the same league for longevity, the tenor stay at Roker is that which was supplied in 1948. 

When I was tower captain there in the mid-1980s other Sunderland ringers found a good supply of Ash in a woodyard in, IIRC, Middlesbrough.  Lots was bought at a good price.  Much was 12' lengths that could be cut to size for the lighter bells.  I enquired about the shorter/thicker pieces of wood and was told that they were both replacement tenor stays! I believe that they are still in the tower and are certainly properly seasoned by now!

Mike

BTW - Perhaps HEJS was there when some over-enthusiastic ringers who were ringing up the tenor at Newcastle Cathedral broke the stay?!  ;-)