Writtle All Saints Bell Appeal

Patrons: The Right Reverend John Perry, Bishop of Chelmsford 
and The Lord Petre DL

The Problem | The Solution | The Benefits | The Cost | The Funding | How you can help | Gift Aid Declaration | Banker's Order Form | Covenant Form

The Problem
The bells are becoming increasingly difficult to ring, due to the wear and tear on the 200-year-old wooden bellframe. This makes it difficult to teach people to ring, particularly youngsters, and we need young bellringers to ensure this unique English art continues. Also due to the arrangement of the sound louvres, the bells cannot be heard clearly from the Green.

The Solution
To replace the old frame with a new metal one. To install some new louvres on the tower roof and a sound control system.

The Benefits
The rigidity of a metal frame will make controlling the bells much easier. Furthermore, the new frame will enable us to install 12 new bells with a tenor (the largest) weighing about 30cwt (1,500kg). This combination will accommodate a wide range of ringing skills, it will make learning to ring much easier and it will produce a far richer sound than the present bells.

Fitting new sound louvres and a sound control system will ensure that the bells are heard clearly across the village and it will enable the bells to be quietened for extra practice sessions and when peals are rung. All these benefits combine to ensure that the sound of church bells will ring out across the village for at least two centuries.

The Cost
The total cost of the project will be in the region of £130,000. The cost of each bell, including installation, will vary depending on size. The treble (smallest) will cost around £4,500, while the tenor (largest) will cost about £25,000.

The Funding
Sponsors are being sought and a variety of fund-raising events are to be held. bells are an excellent way of providing a long lasting memorial to a loved one, or commemorating a particular event by individuals, groups or companies. Sponsors of bells will be able to choose an inscription to be cast on the bell. We will be applying for grants from several organisations.

How Can You Help
You may wish to sponsor a bell or perhaps you know someone who would? A former resident of Writtle, for example, or a commercial enterprise? Help will be needed with several DIY tasks involved with installation of the bells, ranging from bell-frame assembly work to painting, or making cups of tea! Help could also be given in transporting the bells between the foundry and the tower.

If YOU think you can help or if you would like to know more about the project, please contact one of the following:

Phil Stephens (Tower Captain) 01245 421022
Andrew Brewster (Deputy Tower Captain) 01245 420648
Rev. Michael Jones (Vicar) 01245 421282
Marion Brewster (Treasurer) 01245 420648

If you would like to make a donation to the Writtle All Saints Bell Appeal (WASBA), please make your cheques payable to "Writtle All Saints Bell Appeal" and send together with the Gift Aid Declaration, if appropriate, to:

The Treasurer
WASBA
9 Chancery Place
Writtle
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 3DY
UK

As you may know, if you are a UK taxpayer, we are able to reclaim tax on any donations in the tax year under the British Government's Gift Aid Scheme (currently 28 pence for every 1 pound sterling you give). If you are a taxpayer we should be grateful if you would complete and return the Gift Aid Declaration form.

All donations received for this project will be recorded in a book, which will be kept in the church. Those who sponsor bells will be able to choose an inscription to be cast on the bell and the names of those in memoriam will be included on a plaque to be situated in the church.

Download and print Gift Aid Declaration (Word format)   

If you would like to make a gift or series of gifts by Banker's Order please download, complete and return the Banker's Order form to the above address.

Download and print Banker's Order Form (Word format)

Download and print Covenant Form (Word format)