Barrow dedication


Lincolnshire’s third ring of twelve bells

The four new bells at Holy Trinity church, Barrow-upon-Humber were dedicated on Sunday 18 May by the Bishop of Grimsby.

The existing fine ring of eight has been rehung in a new frame for twelve, and a substantial part of the cost of this came from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts.   The four new bells were given by the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Colley family, the Batty Charitable Trust and the D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust.

Ringing on the new twelve took place before the service, and Bishop David accompanied by the Vicar of Barrow visited the Ringing Chamber to watch ringing in progress. They then climbed up into the bell chamber, where the Bishop sprinkled Holy Water and anointed the new fourth bell with sacred oil, as he prayed over the new bells.  It was no mean feat to climb up the ladder wearing a cassock, and all present were impressed that Bishop David was prepared to do this!

During the service Ding Dong Merrily on High, which is usually regarded as a Christmas hymn, was sung. After the service the congregation gathered outside the tower where Bishop David gave a blessing and the bells were rung to complete the formal proceedings.

Ringers were present from a wide area and it was good to socialise whilst consuming a substantial Lunch donated by the parish in the Vicar’s Rooms.     A magnificent cake made by Dawn Colley was much appreciated.

A fine eight has now become a pleasant and useful ring of twelve, which should be a great asset to ringing in Lincolnshire.

BFP/JRK