BELLS will ring out in a Saddleworth church again this weekend and villagers are invited to an impromptu ‘concert.’
Saturday’s (October 6) demonstration of a digital system is the first step towards restoring bells to Holy Trinity Church in Dobcross.
The distinctive clock tower has remained silent for more than decade due to a crack in its single bell.
But there have been occasions when couples planning a wedding have asked if the church offers a peal of bells to be played.
With this in mind the church council started to think about the possibility of installing a digital chiming bell sound system.
“The sound was more of a dong than a ding,” said churchwarden Paul Wooding.
“As the tower is not suitable to house a massive peel of bells then a digital system could be a suitable alternative.”
Derby firm Smiths-clockmakers since 1856 – currently maintain the church clock and on Saturday they have been invited to demonstrate a suitable digital system with residents as an audience.
“We would like to involve the community in the decision,” added Paul. “So, we hope people will ‘listen in’ on the day and let us know their views.”
The bells will ring out from 10am and residents are invited to attend church for a preview.
If approval can be reached it is expected to still be some time before final work takes place. As a Grade II listed building, various permissions must be obtained including the Parochial Church Council.
