Bells at Barrowden Church, in Rutland, ring again after £105,000 tower repairs

The sound of church bells rang through a village for the first time in months after a £105,000 repair project.

The bell tower and bells at St Peter’s Church, in Barrowden, have been totally refurbished after a three-month project to weatherproof the leaky tower.

Over recent years the Victorian louvres and the coverings of the quatrefoils and lucarnes – the higher openings on the spire - had been letting in water which damaged the tower’s wooden floors and severely corroded the bell frame.

Supporters faced the mammoth task of raising just over £105,000 before work could begin and launched funding bids to organisations as well as a local appeal.

“Our successful fundraising could not have been possible without a range of supporters,” said Chris Barrett, a member of both Barrowden and Wakerley Parochial Church Council and the church’s bell ringing group.

“We are most grateful to two village benefactors, the Augean Community Fund, the Mick George Community Fund, the Jack Patston Trust, the Benefit Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation and the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust.”

WW Brown, of Market Harborough, did the work, having carried out improvements at the church in 2018/19.

The new weatherproofing will keep out rain and prevent birds accessing the bell tower, while a rain shield has been added. Upgraded floors will also allow safer access to the bells for maintenance.

It is good news for the Barrowden Bellringers who have resumed their Wednesday evening practice sessions and ringing duties for the monthly family communion service and special services.

It has also come just in time for a fundraising concert at St Peter’s next month.

An Evening of Songs with Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues and Vince Cross takes place on Saturday, April 13 at 7.30pm (doors 7pm).

Gabriella will perform West End show tunes, light opera and sacred songs, such as Ave Maria, while songwriter Vince will showcase songs from the British and American traditions and his own compositions.

Tickets are £15 and available from Barrowden Community Shop, Steve Preston on 07754 118257, Chris Barrett 01572 747638 or via www.wegottickets.com/event/611336

There will be a bar, with proceeds going to St Peter’s Church funds.