BOW BELLS AGAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 83, 8 April 1933, Page 15

BOW BELLS AGAIN.

AFTER SIX YEARS' SILENCE. Bow Bells will soon 'be heard again. They have been silent for almost six years because of the condition of the steeple and tower of the Church of St. Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside —where one of the bells lias hung for nearly 200 years —and the need for recasting some of the bells.

"The tower and steeple have now been strengthened and defective stonework replaced," said Mr. J. H. L. Trustram, the vestry clerk, last month, "and repairs to the bells which were in need of attention are in progress at Croydon, and we hope to have them in position in a few weeks.''

So far £6000 has been spent on repairs at this famous church, which is the oldest covered building in the City of London. Woodwork which was attacked by the death watch beetle has been replaced and the insect eliminated. Other restoration work—especially to the organ—is being held up for lack of funds. The City Corporation gave a donation of 1000 guineas towards the cost of the work already done; Mr. Gordon Seliridge met the cost of cleaning and recasting the bells —£DoO—r-and many city companies have given donations. But another £2000 at least is needed before the church can he reopened.