11th August 2014: The removal of the bells of St. Mary’s has begun. Volunteers were here first thing to make a start and the bellhanger from John Taylor’s arrived at about midday.
12th August 2014: All the bells will have been removed from the bell tower by later today and placed in the church. They will be available to view between 6pm and 8pm this evening. Please feel free to bring your cameras!
13th August 2014: Thank you to all the people who managed to come and have a look at the bells last night. There were over 70 visitors which was brilliant especially with such short notice.
The bells are now on their way to the bellfoundry in Loughborough and all is now peaceful again (for awhile!)
4th September 2014: The Bishop of Bedford visits Bletsoe bell tower.
11th December 2014: Tour to John Taylor’s Bellfoundry and museum.
Since the bells have been away work has been going on in the bell chamber and ringing chamber.
Week commencing 9th February 2015: John Taylor’s will be returning Bletsoe bells to be re-hung. This is going to take approx. 2 weeks. Volunteers have been advised and diaries updated!
25th February 2015: Bletsoe bells are now back where they belong. New ropes have been fitted and some ringers from John Taylor’s are joining the Bletsoe bell ringers on Thursday 5th March to check that everything is working as it should.
15th May 2015: Work finally finished restoring the ringing chamber. The walls have had four coats of lime wash and looks very smart.
6th June 2015: The Bedfordshire Association of Bell Ringers will be holding their striking contest at Bletsoe. Begins at approx. 5pm.
4th July 2015: Ringers from St. Peters Bedford visit to ring Bletsoe Bells from midday to 12.45pm.
27th August 2015: Bedford Young Ringers practise.
6th September 2015: Dedication of the newly restored bells by the Bishop of Bedford.
7th September 2015: The original 1950’s Bedfordshire Young Ringers Reunion.
10th November 2015: Bedford District Tailenders ringing 11am to 12 noon. The CCTV system will be in place for the non ringers amongst the group.
18th Novermber 2015: Ely Association and Peterborough Guild ringing 11am to 11.40am.
9th March 2016: Bedford District Quarter Peal commencing 6.30pm.