A replica church bell, commissioned and presented to St Lawrence Church, Mickleton and St Mary's church, Ilmington by Chris Righton, a ringer at both church towers, is for display and educational purposes at the two locations.
The photo, taken outside Mickleton Church porch, shows L-R:The model was constructed by Paul Keyte and the bell itself was donated by Bill Nash.
The photo alongside, taken outside Mickleton Church porch, shows L-R, Paul Keyte, Bill Nash, John Kinchin and Chris Righton.
John Kinchin (Mickleton Tower Captain)
A truly lovely model, correct in all detail. Paul Keyte is to be congratulated on producing it. Such models are excellent for showing non-ringers how things work upstairs, as in most instances it is impossible or unsafe to access the belfry when bells are ringing – and even if it were safe, it might not be covered on the Church's insurance cover. The other model bells of this size within our area – large ones are much better than small ones - are at Bourton-on-the-Water and Evesham. Please let me know if comparable others exist elsewhere. The public is remarkably ignorant of English-style church bell ringing, even though the technique is roughly 400 years old and very much peculiar to these shores. Pam Copson produced a small working model, which could be rung, and many of these are seen in belfries. More education of the public is vital!
Is it intended to hang this bell on a bracket in one of the Ringing Rooms, so that it can be rung with the rope? The one at Evesham is hung in this way and can be used to show non-ringers how things work for real. Mind you, it's the hardest one in the tower to ring. Much bell control is required! Ed