Unseen generally since their installation sixty-six years ago, but once again making their voices heard over the noise of the traffic rushing past far below, the bells of St. Giles remind us of their quintessential nature in English life and culture.

We have long been known as "the Ringing Isle" due to the method of our hanging bells so that they can be swung full circle by the use of an attached wheel and rope, a method also favoured to an increasing degree in other parts of the English-speaking world.

A ring of bells hung in this manner is at the same time the loudest of musical instruments and a large machine, parts of which will naturally wear with use.

Our ring of ten bells is highly regarded throughout the ringing fraternity as it is a product of the once renowned Croydon foundry of Gillett and Johnston, sadly defunct since 1957.

What is not generally known is that it was cast specifically to mark King George VI's coronation in 1937 and is one of only three rings in the world which were cast for this historic occasion.

The bells have held a justifiable reputation as a fine instrument since their installation and have been deservedly popular with ringers from far and wide for many years.

Unfortunately, this popularity has contributed to the normal wear and tear which machinery experiences with use and the time has now come where this deterioration needs to be rectified if the bells are to continue their function in the hands of the new band of ringers.

With no regular ringers for many years, essential maintenance has been lacking. A professional bell-hanger's report has identified the work which is required to return the installation to a safe, first-rate condition.

Two of the bells are exhibiting clapper wear which is way beyond what is considered acceptable, so all of the bells will be rotated on their headstocks to present fresh faces. All new clappers are to be fitted and the worn-out ball bearings on which the bells swing will be replaced.

A number of wheels and pulley boxes are to be re-built and the bells will be properly graded and balanced to finally eliminate the "odd struckness" which makes accurate placing and easy handling so difficult for even experienced ringers.

This fine instrument cannot be allowed to deteriorate mechanically for much longer as more serious problems will undoubtedly arise. Will you help us raise the £16,000 required to restore our historically important ring? Any financial help will assist the local band in their efforts to accumulate the funds required and will be gratefully acknowledged. Cheques etc. should be made payable to "St Giles Bellringers (Rehanging)".

In this age of increased individualism, isolation and separation, the team spirit engendered by a ringing band and the satisfaction gained by working together in producing such a distinctive and glorious sound cannot be over-estimated, but for it to continue we must see to it that our ring is put back into tip-top going order.

CAN YOU HELP ?