The Lincoln Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers

Langton by Spilsby re-dedication (Ss Peter and Paul)

The project to restore the six bells in this church was reported in an article published in the Ringing World on 24 August 2007 and success in raising the necessary funds was reported in the issue dated 14 December 2007. The original article can be found here.

Less than twelve months since the scheme was launched the bells have been restored by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. The six bells have been tuned, the bellframe has been strengthened and the bells rehung with completely new change ringing fittings in the same pits as previously. The chiming hammers have been overhauled and reconnected to the existing hand wound chime barrel which will continue in use.

The revised details of the bells are as follows :

1.     Weight 4 cwt 1 qr 5 lbs Note E. Dia 28.25”            2.    Weight 5 cwt 0 qr 6 lbs Note D. Dia 30”

3.     Weight 5 cwt 2 qr 23 lbs Note C. Dia 32.00”          4.    Weight 6 cwt 0 qr 22 lbs Note B. Dia 33.00”

5.     Weight 6 cwt 2 qr 24 lbs Note A.  Dia 34.50”         6.    Weight 8 cwt 3 qr 23 lbs Note G Dia 38.50”

The restored installation was rededicated by Rt Revd Dr John Saxbee, Bishop of Lincoln at Matins on Sunday 31 August 2008. Bishop John paid tribute to those who had worked so hard to ensure that the bells were restored and the church redecorated to its original Georgian colour scheme. Langton now has a very handy and pleasant ring of six bells. Those of us who rang them before ringing stopped over fifty years ago never expected to hear them again and the dedication was a very emotional occasion.

After Bishop John had formally rededicated the bells they were rung by a band which included three local ringers: Frances Carr, Diana Douglas (churchwardens) and David Douglas who have been taught at Alford and Spilsby by Caitlin Meyer. There are now practices every fortnight at Langton and several new ringers – both young and older – have started to learn there. 

Following the service very welcome refreshments were provided in the Village Hall and in the afternoon a quarter peal was rung by a band of Lincoln Guild and Eastern Branch officers.

Once again sincere congratulations, and thanks to those who have helped to make this restoration happen.

JRK