Developer Persimmon Homes boosts St Michael's church bells restoration fund
One of the four housebuilders working on the Stortford Fields development has donated £1,000 to a project at the town's most prominent landmark.
St Michael's Church Bell Restoration Appeal campaigners need to raise £300,000 to refurbish or replace the Windhill place of worship's 10 ancient chimes and are now just £20,000 off their target.
The current church was largely built in the early 15th century and restored in the 17th and 19th centuries, but it is believed the site has its origins in the 7th century.
The upper part of the tower and the spire date from the early 1800s, but there have been bells in the church since the early 1400s.
They rang out in 1630 when King Charles I dined at The George in North Street and for national celebrations marking the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the turn of the new Millennium and the centenary of the end of the First World War.
Appeal spokeswoman Anne Brolly said: "The spire of St Michael's Church is the most prominent landmark in Bishop's Stortford, seen from virtually every part of the town. The bells, some of which date back to 1713, have played their part in the history of the town.
"We want to restore the bells and share this heritage with the community, as well as promoting the mental and physical benefits of ringing. Seven of the bells can be retuned but three need replacing altogether.
"The restoration project includes custom-designed shutters to control the sound on practice days but will be opened for ringing on Sundays and for special celebrations. We are now within £20,000 of our target and this wonderful donation from Persimmon Homes brings the full restoration one step closer."
Persimmon Homes North London sales director Rachel Faulkner said: "St Michael's Church is part of the very fabric of Bishop's Stortford and it means a great deal to have the bells fully restored and working.
"Those behind the appeal have done a superb job in sourcing funds from many different quarters and are now within sight of the finishing line. We are delighted to make this donation and wish them every success."
Persimmon Homes – which along with Taylor Wimpey, Bovis and Kier forms the Bishop's Stortford North consortium of developers – provides financial support of up to £1,000 to two local charities or good causes every month under its Community Champions scheme. For more information, see www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions.
