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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Friday, 23 October 2015. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
A CAMPAIGN to raise £50,000 to save the church bells at St Agatha's, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell in Oxfordshire is underway. The bells have rung out for 800 years to mark services, weddings, funerals and national occasions.
The most famous is believed to be King George II's visit in 1727.
The village has a long-standing tradition of bell-ringing and the current team of ringers under Tower Captain Roy Thorpe spans many ages, both male and female. David Greasby, Building Committee chairman, said: "The bells have to be removed and taken away for restoration and retuning, whilst the framework supporting the bells in the church tower needs refurbishing". Fundraising chairman Tony Lascelles said: "The bells are an important aspect of the village's heritage; they would be a sad loss to our community.
We will raise the funds through a combination of personal donations, local fundraising activities and grants". David added that the church is hoping to have exceeded £40,000 very soon, but that they could not afford to become complacent.
A safari supper was planned and £1,200 had been pledged in sponsorship for the organist who was limbering his fingers up ready to play for a solid three hours for the campaign. He said: "The village community has really got behind us on this and we are confident we will raise the funds. "All donations to this appeal will be most gratefully accepted.
For more information contact David on 01491 836943 or Tony Lascelles on 01491 837910.