A Liturgy for Naming and Blessing Church Bells

 

Reading Mercury

Sat 29 Aug, 1885

 

Shrivenham

 

Restoration of the Parish Church. The church bells at Shrivenham having been entirely refitted by Messrs, Bond, of Burford, were on Saturday rung for the first time by a select band of members of the Diocesan Guild. The ringers arrived by the mid-day train, and, after partaking of luncheon at the vicarage, proceeded to the church tower. The guild office of prayer was said by the Master in the belfry, and then the bells were raised in peal, and were found to work and strike well. A 720 of Kent Treble Bob Minor followed, the band standing thus: W. Smith 1, C. Hounslow 2, F. Castle 3, the Rev F.E. Robinson 4, W. Finch 5, J.W. Washbrook (conductor) 6. This was accomplished without any difficulty. Then came the easier task of 120 of Grandsire Doubles, and 120 Stedman. The members of the band then changed bells and rang a 720 of Grandsire Minor in the following order: W. Finch 1, F. Castle 2, the Rev F.E. Robinson 3, C. Hounslow 4, W. Smith 5, J.W. Washbrook (conductor) 6. The working of the bells being thus thoroughly tested, they were lowered in peal and were found to clapper down to the chime. The ringers were again kindly entertained at the vicarage, and left Shrivenham thoroughly satisfied with the working of the bells and much pleased with the hospitality of the vicar.