The big news of 2013 was that the restoration of the bells of Sandiacre was completed and the bells were dedicated at a service of thanksgiving on Sunday 24th November by the Bishop of Repton, the Right Reverend Humphrey Southern. This was the climax of much work on the project by both the Sandiacre fundraisers and our Bell Consultants who were involved from the beginning. During the time the project was taking place, a band of ringers was trained for Sandiacre so the bells will be rung on Sundays again.

Further good news is that, due to a generous legacy, Alfreton fundraising is now nearing completion. Here too, much work has already been done by all those involved. Whitechapel foundry will cast the new bell and a group of parishioners are hoping to go to watch this happen. It is expected that the bells will be back and ringing again before the end of 2014.

Work on the frame at Cubley was completed early in the year. Work at Repton to replace the gudgeons on bell no. 7 and further work on the stay and slider is also completed. The clappers at Old Brampton are now back in the tower after work at Taylors.

There has been no further news on the possibility of work being done at Ilkeston.

The Bell Consultants have been kept busy doing inspections at several towers during the course of the year. On request from the PCC, they are happy to inspect any bell installation to check that all is well. After the inspection, they submit a report to the PCC and will go to talk to the PCCs as well, if this is considered necessary or requested. There is no charge to the PCC for such a visit, as the costs are borne by the Bell Repair Fund. If it is found that work costing in excess of £1000 is necessary, then the PCC may apply to the Fund for a grant and an interest-free loan towards the cost of the work. We aim to give 10% of the cost, if there is sufficient money in the fund at the time. We do not award grants towards the cost of bell ropes or any building work. During 2013 the law on VAT was changed, so that it is no longer applied for work on towers or for bell ropes.

Should you wish to request an inspection of your bell installation, you will find the contact details for the bell consultants on page 8 of this report. Applications for a grant and/or loan should be made to the BRF secretary, contact details on page 8. It is important to apply for an inspection before you make a request for a grant or loan; it is also important that no contract is given for work to be done to the bells before a grant application.

You will find details of the rules, guide and conditions for grants and loans on page 50-51 & 54-56 of the 2013 report.