The Millennium Bells Project
In the Autumn of 1996 the Ringers decided to celebrate the approaching Millenium by augmenting the bells to an octave. Quotations were sought and fund-raising began in earnest. In addition to our own efforts, we received a grant from the Worcester and Districts Belfry Repairs Fund together with several very generous donations.
By the start of 1999 we were able to proceed with the project. The two new bells were cast at the Whitechapel Bellfoundry, London on March 12th 1999. In October the new bells were baptised St Leonard and St Andrew, and were anointed with Holy Oils by the Revd Glyn Dew. Installation work began during the final weeks of October 1999. Mr Stephen Colley of Eayre and Smith Ltd, assisted by a small but dedicated band of volunteers, succeeded in completing the augmentation work within a fortnight.