During my five plus years as steward, I have “accrued” a small but dedicated team of like-minded colleagues who assist with tower inspection and maintenance issues.
When called upon to carry out a bell installation inspection report, we duly set out a report, following a route from point of entry to the Church, through each area of the tower to the bell chamber and back down. Part of the report contains the following statement :-
“The Steward has no authority to demand action be taken on any subject so described in this report. The inspection is free of charge and the contents of the report are recommendations and/or advisory. The Steward and maintenance support team, who are all insured, can, at his/their discretion, capably carry out minor repairs or adjustments in order to maintain the integrity of the bell installation on behalf of the Church.”
We offer this unique (P.D.G.C.B.R.) Guilsborough Branch service as an addition to, but not as a substitute to, the overall legal responsibilities of the respective Church authorities.
Alternatively, the Church authorities can always request reports from Church bell hanging companies.
Undoubtedly, essential materials such as lubrication, replacement fixing hardware, stays etc. will be charged for, but the approximate cost will be notified & agreed before any work commences.
Over the past four years, the style of reporting has changed but nevertheless, is highly detailed with every viewable aspect of the bell installation. This includes recommendations and/or advice about :- ladders, stairways, frames, headstocks, sliders, stays, ground pulleys, slider bars, end stops, wheels, crown staples, clappers, clapper bearings, lubrication, ropes, obstructions, accessibility, rope guides, mats, health and safety signage and lighting, in fact, every facet of the bell installation.
The end product of our tasks are realistically straightforward and have hopefully minimised wear and tear upon our heritage bell collection.
We therefore anticipate our ability to fulfil the Guild’s constitution, A.1.e : Care and restoration of bells and their fittings.
Within our website pages, the viewer will notice photographs describing a variety of and just a small selection of hand tools used during our maintenance visits. Adjustable spanners of varying sizes feature in the photographs but are only carried and used as a last resort and not a first choice.
Rob Palmer.
Guilsborough branch steward and maintenance support team.
Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers.
e-mail address :
towersandbells@gmail.com
Mobile tel. number :
07926 15 18 11
Welcome to - Guilsborough Branch Bells - 2024 
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