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Many
people interested in the project to replace the bells have witnessed
their being cast, in time honoured fashion, by John Taylor Bellfounders
of Loughborough.
Several
donors were able to see “their” bell which they had paid
for.
A group
of pupils from Sladen School were very pleased to see their school
name on the “Town” bell to which they had contributed
over £1,000.
Now
it is possible, for a short period, for everyone to see the bells
“close up”.
However,
do hurry as they will only be on display in the church for a few
days before they disappear into the tower ready to ring out over
the town for at least a hundred years.
A special concert has been arranged to welcome the bells on Saturday
22nd November at 7:30pm, in St MaryÂ’s Church.
It
will be given by the Gemini Choir led by Freda Rollason.
This
is a mixed choir of 25 to 30 singers whose repertoire is very varied
ranging, on this occasion, from Elgar to Cole Porter, by way of
folk songs and spirituals.
The
choir, who have been singing together for a number of years are
twinned with a choir in Gronau, Germany where they often perform.
Admission
is £6 (£5 concessions) which includes refreshments in
the interval when you will have a great opportunity to examine the
new bells at your leisure.
To
complete the weekend, on the following day, Sunday 23rd November,
the bells will be blessed during the morning service which starts
at 10:30am.
In
addition to these two events the church will be open to visitors
between 10:30am and 3:30pm on Friday, Saturday and Monday (21st,
22nd and 24th November).
The
total amount initially required to renew the bells was £135,000.
Eighteen
months later only about £12,000 is still to be raised.
If
any listener would like to be associated with this historic project
then either leave a donation when you go to see the bells or else
contact Freda Salter on 01562 744182.
For
Taxpayers, Gift Aid forms are available which will increase the
value of your donation by 28p in the pound.
Whether
you feel able to help or not, do take advantage of this opportunity
to see KidderminsterÂ’s new bells at close quarters.
Remember,
such a chance is unlikely to occur again in your lifetime.
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