A Peal Appeal

Bellringers in St Davids Diocese have launched fresh appeal for funds to enable the restoration of historic church bells in Pembroke.

In April, the eight bells of St Mary’s Church were taken out of the Grade 1 listed Norman tower before they collapsed through the vestry ceiling.  The beams supporting the bell frame had parted company with the tower walls.

A band of volunteers under the supervision of Bell Hanger Peter Hayward worked hard for over a week to lower the bells into the church.  The tenor bell weighs 12 ¾ cwt (648kg) and only just squeezed through the trap doors in the tower floors.  Some of the bells had probably not seen the light of day for over 260 years!

The restoration of the bells is ready to go as soon as funds are found.  The bellringers have raised over £40,000 towards the project and the replacement of the rotten tower floors.  Once the floors are replaced the church can move forward with work needed on the tower.  A grant promised in November has not yet materialised leaving Pembroke without its bells to ring for Sunday services and special occasions. 

Bells are the voice of the church and remind people that the church is there.  If you would like to help us get the bells back up the tower, your name will be recorded in our book of donors.”