Bell ringers rally behind Bovey Tracey tower in fundraising drive
A growing fundraising campaign in Bovey Tracey is drawing support from bell ringers, residents and community leaders determined to preserve a centuries-old part of the town's heritage
Bell ringers from across the region have come together in support of Bovey Tracey’s historic church tower, as a fundraising campaign gathers pace to save its centuries-old bells.
Widecombe ringers, led by Tower Captain Mike Pascoe, took first place in the Old Moreton Deanery Competition, hosted by Bovey Tracey ringers on 6 June.
However, organisers said the event was about far more than results, with eight teams taking part in a show of support for the newly launched Save Bovey Bells appeal.
Despite finishing second on the day, Bovey Tracey ringers said they were delighted by the turnout and the backing from neighbouring towers.
"It’s not about the competition," explained Julie Stansfield, tower captain of North Bovey and Moretonhampstead, one of the teams that competed.
"It’s all about taking part and meeting up with other ringers from around the area. It’s great to raise money for a very worthy cause, which is to save the bells of Bovey Tracey."
The campaign centres on the church of St Peter, St Paul and St Thomas, where the bell tower is in urgent need of repair.
Local ringers have already raised £60,000 towards restoration work on the cracking structure, but a further £65,000 is still required to complete the project.
Without additional funding, there is a risk that the church could be forced to remove its traditional bells and replace them with an electronic ringing system, bringing to an end more than 500 years of bell-ringing at the site.
The campaign has drawn political support, with local MP Sir Mel Stride visiting the tower to meet ringers and the vicar, Rev Graham Hamilton, in support of the appeal.
Sir Mel commented on the cultural and community importance of church bells, saying: "They call people to prayer and worship, celebrate national and family events, such as coronations and weddings, but also toll at sadder moments in our lives, such as remembrance services and funerals.
“The sound of church bells provides comfort and joy to many and offers a link to our past. So I welcome the Save Bovey Bells campaign in its efforts to ensure that the church bells of Bovey Tracey ring out for future generations."
During the competition, the sound of ringing drew local residents to the church to watch proceedings. Some stayed to observe the performances and compare the different styles of ringing used by the teams.
Among them was neighbour Klaas Overzee, who reflected on the role of the bells in daily life:
"I get so much inspiration from hearing the bells, both on Sunday and also at practice time. It’s like they cleanse the atmosphere. I think that’s the old meaning of the bells as well, to get yourself ready for church.
"I think it’s a landmark, a sound landmark, for us to be able to orient to, something other than our screens or our computers. It’s something that’s alive, and I think that’s worth maintaining."
The event raised £269 on the day, with a further £5 donated the following day by six-year-old Joey Stephens after hearing about the appeal during a church service.
His mother, Rosie, said the initiative demonstrated a practical approach to community action:
"We’re trying to teach our children something called ‘Notice and Do’. So when they see something that needs doing, they don’t ask, ‘How can I help?’ Instead, they watch, figure it out and find a way to help by themselves."
The Save Bovey Bells campaign continues to raise funds for the restoration of the tower and preservation of its historic bells. Donations can be made at GoFundMe.com/f/save-bovey-bells.