St Paul's church has launched a major appeal to restore the tower fabric, overhaul the obsolete clock drive and chiming mechanisms, refurbish the historic ringing room, and rehang its 12 bells

We are fortunate in Bedford to have such a fine town centre historic landmark with bells that are among the finest sounding in the country and which attract ringers from far and wide. The clock, originally installed in 1811, is the largest church clock in North Beds and is one of the earliest surviving public clocks of its type.

We now seek the highest quality and most complete restoration possible, consistent with St Paul's status as a Major Parish Church.

Charles Whitbread, Appeal Chairman, whose family at Southill Park have a long association with St Paul's, said at the launch in October last year:

" I hope that the people of Bedfordshire will support this appeal as generously as did their forebears at the last major appeal of this kind in 1896 so that we can leave a similarly impressive legacy for the town".

£500,000 is the estimated cost for the project. A very generous grant of £200,000 has kick started the appeal and a number of donations have been made.

For further details and to arrange for a short presentation see www.bedfordclockandbells.com; to donate to this project or to sponsor the refurbishment of a bell or clock face, please email the Appeal Secretary: clockandbells@stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk or send a cheque to The Treasurer, St Paul's church, Bedford MK40 1SQ, tel 01234 340163.

Ann Collett-White

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