In a remarkable blend of history and innovation, St Mary’s Church in Betws-y-Coed, north Wales, is poised to fulfill a century-old vision. For the first time since the church’s foundation in the 19th century, the full ring of bells will echo through its tower during an Easter service.
This long-awaited event will take place at the church’s Easter Day family Eucharist and blessing of the lambs, commencing at 11am. The restoration and installation of the bells mark a significant milestone for the church, realizing the original architectural plan for a complete bell set.
The church’s tower, which was originally designed to house a full complement of bells but never did, now proudly hosts nine bells. Eight of these were transferred from St John’s Church in Porthmadog, which closed in 2024, creating a symbolic connection between the two communities.
Notably, the ninth bell, cast in 1873 by John Warner of London, has been restored to serve as the church’s clock and chiming bell. The project, which began taking shape after discussions at the 2019 Llanrwst Eisteddfod, was inspired by the need for a local practice space for experienced bell ringers from Côr Penmachno.
Local enthusiasts, led by Tower Captain Nigel Thomas, have been instrumental in advancing this initiative, supported by volunteers in roles such as secretary, treasurer, and steeple keepers.
The bells from Porthmadog, crafted by John Warner & Sons, include six from 1900 and two from 1902. The largest bell weighs over 10 hundredweight, with the entire set tuned to the key of G.
Prior to their installation, Taylor’s Bell Foundry undertook the restoration, tuning, and preparation of the bells. The installation included fitting new headstocks, removing old fittings, and constructing a fresh base frame using parts from Porthmadog, all supported by the church’s original beams.
The clock mechanism was also replaced, enabling it to chime once more. The comprehensive project, costing approximately £100,000, was largely funded by grants from organizations like the Keltek Trust, the Hobart Trust, and the Bernard Piggott Trust.
During the restoration, historic newspapers dating back to October 1874 were discovered, including a copy of the Caernarvon and Denbigh Herald referencing Betws-y-Coed.
The bells have been named to honor eight local individuals, including former churchwardens, with three of them expected to attend the Easter service.
Rev Stuart Elliott, local priest and Ministry Area Leader of Bro Gwydyr, expressed his emotions: “It was a wonderful and emotional moment to hear the bells during a test ring. It will be extraordinary to hear them rung for the first time at a church service on Easter Sunday, so that the whole community can hear the invitation they proclaim. It is quite a transformation for the village.”
He emphasized that the project’s impact extends beyond the physical restoration, fostering a “new community of ringers” around St Mary’s. He credited the local community’s fundraising and practical contributions, as well as the donors, businesses, and trusts that supported the endeavor.
Following the Easter service, the ringers will perform a Quarter Peal, lasting approximately 45 minutes, using the Plain Bob Triples sequence. Four of the participating ringers were part of the final Quarter Peal at St John’s in Porthmadog before its closure.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
