The Parish Church of
Saint Mary and All Saints, Whalley

8th November 2024

The last phase of the Whalley bell refurbishment started on the 4th November with the major focus on completing the sound control installation. Under the watchful eye of Chris from Nicholson's Engineering, the sound control shuttering was dismantled and the space between the inner and outer plywood sheets filled with sheep's wool type insulation material. This will absorb the bell sound and prevent transmission to the outside of the tower. All gaps between the rough stone louvred windows and the sound control framing were filled in using expanding foam, again to prevent sound transmission. After re-assembly, the sound control shuttering was painted black to present a more pleasing appearance and to add protection against damp. Wooden beading and rubber seals were fitted inside the flap openings and again this helps prevent sound transmission. The motorised actuator brackets were fitted followed by the actuators themselves and these will open and close the sound control flaps in response to switches down in the ringing room. After running cables and wiring up the new sound control system was thoroughly tested to complete the job.

 

The two new high tech composite clappers were fitted to the 7th and 8th bells to help these to ring up correctly.

 

The walkways around the bell frame were strengthened and handholds fitted to assist access to the bell chamber. The new bell bearings were then painted and the bell frame touched up. A big clean up followed to complete the work in the bell chamber.

 

The 7th and 8th bells were tested to check out the new clappers and also listen outside as to the sound control effectiveness. A big reduction in bell sound outside with the flaps shut! More measurements will take place at a practice night to confirm that the sound control is working properly but this initial test is really encouraging. 

 

Once again a big thank you to Chris from Nicholson's and all the volunteer helpers for the 5th week of work on the project. We have a small amount of work to do in the ringing room to complete the project but from now on it's back to normal ringing at Whalley!

 

Adrian West: Tower Captain