The bells of St Mary Magdalene church in the heart of Richmond are to undergo a dramatic transformation. The three most historic bells dating from 1680 are to be incorporated into a brand new ring of eight bells that will be faithful to the presence of centuries past while bringing a new sound to the town.    

   

The work, that is planned to begin next year, will help future-proof the art of bell ringing and maintain the unique music of church bells coming from Richmond. 

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In giving formal approval for the project, Philip Petchey, chancellor of the diocese of Southwark, said the new bells would be ‘more tuneful’ and easier to ring, a key factor in recruiting new ringers. He said the new bells would ‘enhance St Mary’s as (the) local centre of worship and mission.’   

   

With a target of £200,000 the Richmond ringers will lead the fund-raising effort and are hoping that some benefactors will be prepared to sponsor one of the five new bells that will have the potential to be inscribed with names and messages that could last for hundreds of years.   

   

Jackie Harrison, tower captain at St Mary’s is looking forward to a new era for bell ringing in Richmond. ‘We have a loyal team of ringers but we have lost a lot more who have started to learn but who have found the bells too challenging. We’re expecting the new bells and their improved ringing mechanism will guarantee the future.’

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The fund raising campaign was formally launched with a briefing by Jackie to members of St Mary’s morning congregation on the 12th of October. She explained that bell experts around the country had been consulted and all agreed that in order to make the necessary improvements St Mary’s needed new bells.