ST ANDREW’S CHURCH CALSTOCK, BELL RESTORATION APPEAL 2018
If the wind’s in the right direction, we can just hear the bells of St Andrew’s Church, Calstock on a Sunday morning here in Gunnislake. They have sounded across the Tamar Valley for nearly 250 years and have witnessed many events in our community’s life. They were cast by Isaac Pennington of Lezant in 17732.
Over the years the bells at Calstock have become increasingly difficult to ring. Recent inspections have shown that the headstocks are too heavy for the bells, the clappers don’t swing properly and the bearings have worn. The only sensible option we have is to completely refurbish the bells. This is a major undertaking, but we feel it is a challenge we must meet.
The bells are an important part of the cultural and architectural heritage of the Tamar Valley. We have a responsibility to pass these wonderful artefacts on to the next generation in the best possible condition.
What we plan to do: The bells will be will be brought down from the tower and sent to a bellhanger where new bearings, headstocks, clappers, crownstaples, gudgeon pins and all wooden fittings will be installed. While the bells are out of the way the steel bell frame in the tower will be cleaned and painted. Finally, a few months after the start of the project, the bells will be returned to the church and re-installed in the tower.
What will it cost? The overall cost could be around £45,000. So far we have raised £20,000 plus £10,ooo “in kind”.
How can you help? We need help with preparing and printing educational materials and a commemorative booklet; transporting the bells to the bellhanger; materials and volunteers to paint the bell frame; and helpers to assist visitors to the church. We need funding; if you, your company or anyone you know can make a financial contributions it would be most gratefully received. The more money we are able to raise locally the greater the number of grants we will be able to access to help fund the project. Please give whatever support you can.
How to donate money: A cheque payable to Calstock PCC with Bell Appeal written on the back – hand it to any of the three churches in the Parish – St Andrew’s, Calstock, St Anne’s, Gunnislake or All Saints, Harrowbarrow. Or make a BACS payment to Sort Code: 30 98 46 Account: 00051092 reference, Bell Appeal. Thank you for your contribution.
Watch the bells in action or have a go at ringing at the Heritage Open Day on Saturday 8 September 2018. The church is also open every day from around 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. where you can see the display about the bell restoration projection. Also you can find out more by visiting our website: https://Calstockbellringers.com
To discuss any of the above please contact Sue McClaughry, Tower Captain on 07771 756125 or email: smcclaughry@coronis.co.uk.
For further information about the churches in Calstock parish, see our website: