The Church Clock was dismantled on Monday 15th January 2018 to make way for the removal and replacement of the Church Bells which are in need of urgent restoration. Unfortunately the Clock mechanism and motor was situated immediately above the trap door in the Clock Chamber floor and without the removal of these the Bells would not be able to be lowered through to the ground. The hands on the Church Clock have been set to 12 o’clock where they will remain until the Clock is back working again.
On 24th and 25th January 2018 the three Church bells were removed. Graham from Whites of Appleton was assisted on site by villagers Martin Rice, Alan Swain, Ian Connolly and Malcolm Harrison, they were joined on day 2 by Gareth Vicary. The bells have been transported back to Whites’ engineering works where they will undergo restoration and refurbishment. At present they are expected to return for re-installation into the Church tower some time during April 2018. (Photos © John Giles)
