Bedford’s iconic St Paul’s Church has dramatically boosted its appeal to restore the town centre’s clock tower and bells, with over £110,000 raised in just one recent sponsorship event.
The funds mean nearly all 12 of the church’s existing bells have now been sponsored, bringing the total raised to around £400,000 of the £600,000 target.
The campaign aims to repair and repaint the historic tower clock, refurbish and rehang the bells, and carry out structural repairs, is now focusing on securing donations for a new ‘Community Bell’ and reaching the final £200,000 needed.
One bell sponsor said: “We felt very privileged to be able to support a very important project in Bedfordshire.”
The proposed new bell, which would bring the total to 13, will be lighter than the others, allowing beginners and younger learners to practise the art of bell ringing more easily.
Described as “some of the finest sounding bells in the country,” the St Paul’s bells regularly attract ringers from across the UK. Organisers say the restoration will preserve a treasured part of Bedford’s soundscape and heritage for generations to come.
Once the work is complete, a public celebration will be held at the church to mark the return of the bells and their sound ringing out across the town centre.
To donate or sponsor a bell, visit bedfordclockandbells.com/donate or call St Paul’s Church on 01234 340163.
