A LARGE gathering at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Holsworthy, marked the celebration of the completion of a major restoration project that has brought the church’s historic bells, clock and carillon back into full working order.

After years of silence caused by mechanical failures and deterioration, the restoration has revived one of the town’s most recognisable and historic sounds.

The project was made possible through the generosity of the Axtell family and the dedicated hard work and leadership of Angela Blackman, Captain of the Bellringers, whose determination and fundraising efforts played a central role in raising the funds needed. Through grants, community events and donations from local residents and those with ties to Holsworthy, more than £20,000 was raised to restore the bells.

The tradition of bell ringing at the church dates back to at least 1553, with the current ring of eight bells and the distinctive carillon installed in 1949 following a major post-war restoration. That earlier project helped establish the bells as a defining feature of town life, a role they continue to play today.

The restoration work included the complete overhaul of the historic carillon by Cumbria Clocks and specialist repairs to the bells by John Taylor and Co of Loughborough, returning both sound and mechanism to full operation.

Among the familiar tunes once again heard across the town is Holsworthy Church Bells, composed by the Victorian musician and composer Samuel Sebastian Wesley. The piece, long associated with the town, remains a cherished part of the carillon’s programme and local heritage.

The celebration highlighted not only the technical achievement of the restoration, but also the community spirit behind it, ensuring that the bells, clock and carillon will continue to mark the important moments of Holsworthy life for generations to come.