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The west end tower contains a ring of six bells which
are hung in the uppermost of the four stages, approximately
on a level with the large louvred openings. The bells
were cast at John Taylor Bellfounders Ltd in 1864, to
the order of the then vicar, Revd. J.W. Holmes. The
work, including six bells, clappers hanging and framework
in English oak, carriage and installation, cost £438.
8s. 0d.The forwarding weights of the bells were:
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Treble
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5-3-4
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Second
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6-1-14
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Third
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7-1-4
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Fourth
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7-2-12
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Fifth
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9-0-22
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Tenor
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12-0-0
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In 1936 the bells were removed from the tower and restored
at John Taylor Bellfounders Ltd. They were turned to
present new unworn surfaces to the clappers, and they
were retuned using modern machinery and tuning fork
technology. The finished weights after tuning were:
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Treble
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5-1-16
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Second
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6-0-10
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Third
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6-3-25
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Fourth
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7-1-14
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Fifth
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8-3-6
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Tenor
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11-2-21
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The re-tuned peal is in the key
of F#, the nominal tenor frequency being 726.5Hz. They
are tonally a pleasant ring of bells.The present bell
frame dates from 1864, and comprises headsills and base
sills, these being interspaced by means of diagonal
bracing struts, with mortice & tenon jointing.The
bells were rung regularly throughout the end of the 19th
and most of the 20th centuries with a lapse of about 20
years or so between the 1970s and the early 1990s after
which the current band was formed. Between the
1860s and 1960s, the New Mill band was highly regarded
as one of the outstanding bands of ringers in the area
and regularly competed, often successfully, in the
(Yorkshire) Heavy Woollen District Cup and Halifax Cup
contests. These were prize contests, originally
for money, as the contests lasted
all day with all the ringers having to miss
work and lose a day's pay to compete.
Today's band tries to emulate
the successes of its forebears but rings for only one
contest per year, the Yorkshire Association Branch
Striking Contest. However, the bells are rung for
all main Sunday services and other occasions where
possible, and practices on Friday nights between 7.30
and 9.00pm. We always welcome other ringers to
join us and equally
non-ringers who are curious to see what happens and
who possibly might wish to 'have a go'.
The refurbishment of the ringing
room was completed in 2007 and now provides an
attractive and welcoming atmosphere. To arrange a
visit, please contact Mrs. Stella Southam, Downshutts
Farm, Far Lane,
Holmfirth (tel O1484 6816OO), or Wynford Carter, 12 Orchard
Road, Kirkheaton, Huddersfield HD5 0EQ (tel O1484 3O3272) |