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The present ring of six bells was cast at the
Whitechapel Foundry in 1812. Numbers one to five (7 to 12 cwt approx)
are recasts from the previous ring of five which was taken down in the
August; and a new number six, at 17cwt, cast in the July was added giving a
key note of F. The new ring was installed on 20th November 1812 on the
existing wooden frame.
There have been a few
modifications over the years, the most recent and significant being the
recasting of number four in 1980, necessitated by a known crack opening up
as the result of an accident involving a visiting band of ringers.
There is also a Sanctus bell by John Sturdy dating from 1445
although it did not arrive at Chesham until maybe the 18th
century. It is very much smaller than the others and is not part of
the ring. It is chimed for a minute or so (gently) immediately prior
to services.
Sunday Service ringing is from 10:00 to 10:30 and
18:00 to 18:30. Practise night is Thursday (20:00 to 21:30) except in
August. |