WITH lockdown over, St Cleer Ringers are back on the fundraising trail.

They need over £180,000 to remove, re-cast and replace the existing six bells in the church tower in St Cleer.

The six will be replaced with nine bells so the ringers are on the lookout for redundant bells from elsewhere in Cornwall. These will be melted down along with the six current bells to produce enough ‘Cornish’ metal for the new peal.

Later this month, the first event will take place in the church when two speakers will deliver what promise to be informative and entertaining talks on bell ringing and local history.

One of the speakers - Brian Oldham - has been described by Liskeard Mayor Cllr Simon Cassidy as the town’s ‘unofficial Official Historian’. His new book – ‘A Peek Into Liskeard’s Past’ – was recently published and will be on sale at the event.

Brian will make a donation from each sale to the bells fund.

Owen Borlase will talk about ‘bells and bell ringing.’ He will describe the history of ringing, the casting process, tuning and hanging.

Owen is Ringing Master of the Eastern District of the Truro Diocesan Guild of Ringers. He will be outlining the history of the bells at St Cleer.

Other events being planned include skittles, quizzes, bingo and a ceilidh. The ringers are also preparing a sponsorship package for the project.

“We would be interested to hear from individuals and commercial and public organisations that might want to support our efforts. It is a very worthwhile cause and goes right to the heart of parish life,” said tower captain Ian Banbury.

“Grants will be sought from various bodies to help reach the required figure. But it is important that we are seen to be raising our own funds and involving the community.

“We are hoping for a good turnout for the talks on Friday, April 22, to kick start the project after the enforced shut-down.”

Full details of the talk and news of other events can be found on the St Cleer Ringers Facebook page.