Bells finally restored at St Edwards Church in Goathurst, near Bridgwater

On Saturday, November 6, there was a re-dedication service at St Edward's Church in Goathurst, led by The Venerable Simon Hill, Archdeacon of Taunton.

In January 2019, a crack was found in the fifth bell meaning the bells had to be silenced.

An appeal was launched in September 2019 to raise the £19,000 to repair the bell.

A handball concert took place and leaflets were given to homes in the village, but the coronavirus pandemic halted the fundraising plans.

During lockdown, and since then, grants and other funding meant the church was able to raise £12,000.

The restoration was finally completed by Matthew Higby & Co. Ltd and the bells rang out again in September 2021.

A spokesperson for the church said: "We are thankful that the restoration of their bells has been achieved within three years, despite the setbacks (including the pandemic) along the way and are hugely grateful to all the major sponsors and to the many people (local and further afield) who have contributed towards the cost of the project and made it possible.

"Goathurst village has regained its voice!"

Grants were given by AllChurches Trust, Churchcare/Pilgrim Trust, Bath and Wells Diocesan Association of Change Ringers, Barron Bell Trust, Sharpe Trust, and the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers.

Before restoration of the bells took place, Wessex Cleaning removed decades of accumulated dust and debris from the belfry and clock chamber beneath it.

The fifth bell was then sent to to Soundweld in Newmarket for re-welding.

The four other bells were also removed and restored as well.

St Edward’s has six bells, four of which were cast by Abraham Rudhall of Gloucester and originally hung in 1705. Another was added in 1783 and the final one in 1937 when all of the bells were re-hung and overhauled.

In the future, the church is hoping to install rope guides to help inexperienced bell ringers, and those who are unable to climb the tower stairs.