A FUNDRAISING drive to help restore and improve the ancient bells of a church in Chirk has so far collected more than £13,000.

The six bells in the tower of St Mary’s Church at Chirk have been rung every day since 1814.

But, they now require renovation to ensure they will continue to be rung for another 200 years and beyond.

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In addition, two more bells are being planned to be added to the set to complete the octave and expand the repertoire of ringing.

On Saturday, March 16, the church launched a fresh appeal as visitors who popped along that day were able to find out more about bellringing and climb the tower to see the bells and ringers in action.

Around 60 people attended the event to launch the fundraiser, including the High Sheriff of Clwyd Kate Hill-Trevor and Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes. 

A presentation was held to showcase the history of the church and bell-ringing as well as the cost of repairs.

The total cost of restoring the present bells and adding two new bells will be in the order of £60,000.

Fundraiser organisers say that around £13,000 has been raised already.

They added: "In addition, we will be organising various fundraising events which we hope will be fun and interesting for the community.

"We had a fantastic launch event with over 60 people in attendance and the money raised so far should be somewhere over £13,000."

The bells at St Mary's have been part of the soundscape of Chirk since 1519.

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They are rung to announce services and to mark happy occasions such as weddings and coronations but also to help the community to express its sorrow.

The bells were rung muffled following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

For further information, contact Peter Furniss by email peter@peterfurniss.com or by phone on 01691 772586.