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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Thursday, 20 August 2015. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
A WEEKEND'S fundraising paid off for St James' Church in Radley, Oxfordshire, when £30,000 was raised for essential work for the six bells.
The total cost of the work needed was £39,000 and when grants and funds came to only £18,000, the PCC had to pray and discuss how to raise the remaining cash. David Handscomb, of St James' Church, said: "It was decided that, rather than try to raise the money in stages through a long-drawn-out series of events, we would pray hard, have a single concentrated effort and focus on a single weekend at the end of June.
"Some people thought us a little mad! But leaflets and blue gift envelopes were delivered to every household in the village - and to all our friends.
Everyone was invited to special events in the church on the weekend of 20 and 21 June and to contribute.
We planned to have the Charmborough Ring, handbells, ringing demonstrations and commentaries, DVDs, the history of the church and the bells, and free food. "The pews were pushed aside.
A cafe and all the displays, quizzes and a cake stall were set up.
The mini-ring was set up outside for people to practise on.
A large papier-mache bell sat on a table near to the door with welcoming gifts and blue envelopes. David said the PCC was amazed by the people who poured in and the donations made.
He said: "At 5pm we announced that we had exceeded our target and were still counting.
Together we thanked God - and the ringers ended the weekend with a joyful peal of thanksgiving. " Work can now safely start in September.