Christ Church Healey Bells ring out for the first time since 2013

Christ Church, Healey bells ring out for the first time since 2013

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The bells of Christ Church Healey rang out with gusto on Saturday, following a re-dedication service performed by the Bishop of Middleton, the Rt. Rev. Mark Davies.

The bells have not rung since 2013 when renovation work in the church became necessary.

Earlier this year they were taken to the John Taylor Bell Foundry, in Loughborough, to be refurbished, then stored there whilst further work was carried out on the belfry.

In August, they were returned to the church and re-hung inside a new, steel, frame.

Most of this work was carried out by volunteers from the Lancashire Association of Bell Ringers. These hard working and dedicated volunteers were each presented with a commemorative tankard, on behalf of a grateful congregation.

The event was followed by a Hog Roast in the church grounds, for which the sun opportunely decided to make an appearance.

This allowed most of the dignitaries and spectators to claim their tasty reward, before the rains once more chased everyone inside.

Apart from the occasional downpour Saturday's occasion ran smoothly, with the singing of specially selected 'Bell' anthems led by the Healey Singers with organist John Keats.

The timing, too, could not have been better as the event coincided with the Church's Open Heritage Weekend, which brought many visitors to the Church.

Also present at the re-dedication service were the Area Dean, the Rev. Mark Coleman; the Rev. Karen Smeaton; the Mayor & Mayoress of Whitworth; the Deputy Mayor of Rochdale; the President of the Lancashire Association of Bell Ringers, and the Sales Director of the John Taylor Bell Foundry.