PARISHIONERS are busily fund-raising to improve the sound of music in their 19th century church.

The newly-formed Barbon Heritage Bells Society hopes to finally make the bells at St Bartholomew's Church ring true by acquiring another two.

The committed group, which wants to woo worshippers with the sweeter sound of six bells rather than the existing four, is looking to raise £20,000.

Project co-ordinator Malcom Fletcher, who hopes to have the new bells by autumn, said: "The original bell frame was built to contain six bells, not four. The additional bells would enhance the peel. We also have a team of accomplished ringers who would benefit from this and we are planning on encouraging more people to train in bell-ringing."

He hoped the venture would help generate tourism as the society planned to invite groups adroit in the ancient art of change-bell ringing to the Barbon church.

The group, which hopes to attract the bulk of its funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, has received a £500 grant from Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale Neighbourhood Forum.

The society raised more than £350 as a daffodil day at Whelprigg lured the crowds.

Future fund-raising events include a local concert and there are plans in the pipeline for a monthly draw to try to secure the deal for the 150kg bells.

May 1, 2003 13:30