FOUR months ago the bells of St Julitta, Lanteglos by Camelford started their journey of restoration.

Dismantling the bell mechanism and bringing every component down to ground level took five days, but getting them back up again is going to take twice as long.

After six weeks at the foundry, the bells have returned painted with black graphite and with bright red new headstocks. Previously green mould and bird droppings decorated the bells. While the bells were at Taylor’s Foundry in Loughborough, a group of enthusiasts from the Camelford area went to see the whole process of bell making and watch one being cast in the ground.

Founded in 1784, John Taylor’s Bell Foundry is now the largest in the world and the only one left in the UK that can cast large bells. They have orders from all over the world — and Lanteglos!

Taking the bells up to Loughborough and bringing them home again was a complex operation. The only trailer that was big enough to transport all six bells, together with the bell wheels, clappers and headstocks was borrowed from C&H Cranes Wadebridge and skilfully towed by ex-ambulance driver, Graham Ferguson.

Loading and unloading was undertaken by Alan Randall with one of his massive tractors. Volunteer helpers included David Goodman, Barry Hodgkiss, David Bosely, Ed Hawkey, Phil Hunt, David Gales and John Pearce.