A VISIT to a historic Loughborough bellfoundry is being arranged by the Friends of Evesham Parish Church and the Bell Tower appeal.
The John Taylor Bellfoundry in Loughborough is one of only two bellfoundries still in production in the UK, and houses the only museum dedicated to the subject.
A visit to the museum enables visitors to follow development of the art of English bellfounding over at least 600 years.
The complex of buildings making up the foundry and works as it exists today was purpose built in the 1850s and its size demonstrates the extent of the market for bells at that time.
It is said that the furnaces were never cold.
The visit is extra special as the latest major conservation on Evesham’s Bell Tower was carried out by John Taylor and Sons of Loughborough in 1951.
The visit will take place on Thursday, May 7 and will see coaches depart Merstow Green at 11.30am.
Organisers hope that casting will be taking place during the visit, but this cannot be guaranteed. The tour of the works and museum lasts approximately 90 minutes with admission, including coach travel, costing £20 for adults and £15 for children aged six to 16.
Organisers have confirmed the tour will include a lot of standing and ask anyone interested to wear strong, fully enclosed shoes.
Call Rex Colwell on 01386 442283 or e-mail Sue Ablett on [email protected] or call 0787 1285606 for more information.
