ST. James’ Church bells and tower at Bratton will get a £5,000 refurbishment after Westbury Area Board approved a funding request.
Parochial church council (PCC) treasurer, Peter Sharland, told board members at their recent meeting it was a “very exciting but costly project.
“I feel it’s important to emphasise that the church is very much more than just a place of worship as far as Bratton is concerned,” he said. “We view it very much as part of the village, the local heritage and history and a community facility.
“It’s one of the oldest, most distinctive buildings in the village, and a key landmark.”
Peter Sharland said the bell frame and bells were over 100 years old and in need of a major overhaul.
The PCC, supported by the parish council, decided to complete the project a couple of years ago.
“We now have all the relevant authorities to proceed, plus specifications and tendering processes, so we are ready to go,” Peter Sharland explained. The bells are very much appreciated throughout the village but as we’ve got a team of enthusiastic ringers, we feel it very important to use the opportunity to encourage people in the village to take up bell ringing and get to know the heritage of the village through the history that the bells and bell tower provide.
“During Covid we haven’t had much access – we have plans to resurrect the after-school club and to get youngsters to come and get to know the building, the tower and the bells. We’ve got a very active group of Brownies / Guides and the village school are very keen to get involved as well.”
He added, “Although the figure seems high, this is a huge project and we’ve saved £9,000 by virtue of tremendous voluntary support, in particular for the Monday Gang who are very much involved in looking after the area, and help from within the village.
“Volunteers will help to take the bells and frame down and hopefully get involved in the process.
“We’re very enthusiastic about the project and grateful to [area board member] cllr Suzanne Wickham for her support and interest.”
Cllr Carole King proposed supporting the motion and was unanimously backed by the other members.
