The bells of St Mary's in South Street are a complete eight by Mears of 1924, replacing a Warner eight of 1887. It is said that they were one of the last old style rings to be cast - Mears moved to true-harmonic tuning in 1926 or 1927. However, as with Taylor peals of the 1890s, the Bridport bells show evidence of the transition from one tuning style to the other. Christopher Dalton in his excellent book on Dorset Bells gives full details of the bells and their history and says "one cannot but wonder whether the present octave is any real improvement on Warner's ring". But I quite like these bells; the tenors have a warm, plummy sound; the trebles though flat-primed are quite good; and rung together they have a harmonious effect both in the ringing room and the churchyard, despite a slight wash of old-style partials in the background.
Yes congratulations to Peter for sticking with it through thick and thin. Won't be the same without the sound of skittles going on next door mind !! Good luck with the opening.
Posted by draino, on 10-11-2006 14:11,
To some people this is health & safety gone mad, but as someone who knows having a small prick is not a nice experience. Don't knock the inflicted
Posted by Ivor Bigun, on 16-11-2006 13:46,
Before you start it's NOT lack of parking! Please don't go there. The only time the car parks are full is 11am to 1pm on Saturdays (Summers only), why everyone knowing this comes into town then knowbody knows! It's also not the Councils fault that Humphreys closed, and no we don't want major high street shops like Argos, just have a look at Yeovil if you haven't made your mind up. Let Bridport evolve and stop moaning shop keepers!
Posted by The Bat, on 18-11-2006 22:35,
i saw him at the police ball - doing his bit for bridport charities
