Towers and Belfries Committee

A Guide to How We Can Help You

The Committee Exists to:

• provide inspections
• examine work done prior to payment of a Bell Fund or Restoration Fund Grant
• offer advice on:
  • routine maintenance
  • minor restoration
  • rehanging
  • advise on safety matters, CDM, etc.

The work of the committee is voluntary but committee members appreciate a contribution towards their travelling expenses.

It is important to remember that the role of the committee is purely advisory. It has no formal role in any scheme apart from the requirement to inspect completed work and advise the Bell and/or Restoration Fund trustees prior to the payment of an ODG grant.

Making Contact

The committee work on the principal that they must receive a formal invitation before they can carry out an inspection or give advice. In the first instance you should make your request to either the Chairman or Secretary, details in ODDBOB. If possible requests for a formal inspection and report should be in writing. On receipt of a request you will be advised which member of the committee will be appointed to help you.

For immediate advice on routine maintenance matters contact the chairman or secretary or your nearest committee member, details in ODDBOB.

Grants

The ODG has two funds that make grants towards bell projects. The Bell Fund exists to make grants for most sorts of bell restoration scheme, but specifically excludes grants towards any element of a restoration scheme that involves augmentation. The Restoration Fund exists to make small grants to all sorts of schemes including augmentation.

If you wish to apply for a grant you should contact the Treasurer of the two ODG Funds, details in ODDBOB, and he will provide you with application forms and advice on making your application. He also can provide details of other charities that make grants towards bell projects. The Treasurer may advise you to contact the Towers and Belfries committee for an inspection, useful to the Funds' trustees in making decisions on grants, and for advice on your scheme.

A Simple Guide to Organising Bell Projects

Introduction

There are two sorts of scheme:-

• a minor scheme that does not require a faculty
• all other schemes that do require a faculty.

A faculty is the equivalent of church planning permission. The application (which is now free) must be agreed by the PCC. When agreed it is sent to Church House in Oxford by the PCC/Church Authorities

How to Plan Your Scheme

Usually, minor schemes are those which cost less than £300 but you should check with Church House to be sure that your scheme qualifies.

There are many points in the project where the Towers and Belfries (T & B) committee can offer advice. Most of these are indicated on the flow-chart which shows how the average project might proceed.