The appeal fund has now stands at just under £110,000. The support for this project by the people of Writtle continues, but we are aware that some of you may be beginning to wonder when the work will be started. Our original plan was to have the bells installed in time for the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. We were unable to achieve this as we did not have sufficient funds to place the order in time and also there has been a delay in obtaining the final authorisation (a Faculty) from the Chelmsford Diocese due to a further intervention by English Heritage. The overall scheme is approved in principle, but there are some details to be sorted out concerning what happens to the existing bell frame and this must be done before we are granted a Faculty. As mentioned in a previous edition of Writtle News, we have consulted English Heritage over this matter and in consideration of their concerns we revised our scheme to retain part of the old bell-frame in the clock room of the tower, where it can easily studied by interested parties. The Diocesan Advisory Committee approved this arrangement, but English Heritage are now not totally happy with this and we have been asked to look into the matter further. All this is very frustrating, but we will persevere, and we are confident that a practical solution will be found shortly.

In the mean time we still need to raise more funds. By the time you read this our last event of the year, a Quiz night, will be over and we hope it will be as successful as last year. The Auction of Promises that we had planned for the 23 November has been postponed; we are now planning to hold the event next year. During next year there will be more events including some old favourites: Teddy Bears doing daring things from the Tower roof, a Barn Dance and a Quiz Night.

Our scheme to raise the money for bell number 11 has got of to a good start. The bell weighs approximately 1,130kg and you are invited to buy a kg of bell metal for £10. Your name will be recorded for posterity on a plaque in the tower. At the time of writing 204kgs have been bought. If you would like to help our project by buying a kg of bell metal then we would be pleased to hear from you. We still have to raise money for the tenor (£20,000) so if you are thinking of making a donation or sponsoring a bell, or you know someone or a group of people who might wish to, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Phil Stephens, Tower Captain - 01245 421022.