Staplehurst Bellringers Report October 2024
News from the Tower
In last month’s Magazine, I reported that we had been able to continue ringing the bells during the current work on the turret and tower roof. Unfortunately, our optimism was somewhat misplaced.
Following an inspection by the Architect and Contractors’ Team at the end of August it became apparent that the structure of the turret spirelet (the hexagonal pyramid on the top) is potentially unsafe and is at risk of collapse. At the time of writing a structural engineer was due to visit, to confirm the safety or otherwise of the structure. Meanwhile, the risk of debris falling down the stairway is considered too great to allow access to the stairway up to the ringing room. In addition, the ringing of the bells may cause vibrations that increase that risk. Consequently, it has been necessary to suspend all ringing until further notice.
Meanwhile, our neighbours at Headcorn and Marden have kindly allowed us to practise on their bells, for which we are extremely grateful. We will provide an update in next month’s Magazine.
Roy Barclay
Tower Secretary
