VILLAGERS in Marden were treated to a rare sight when the six ancient church bells from the 14th century tower of St Mary’s were removed in preparation for a major restoration.

The lorry carrying the bells paused at Marden Primary Academy so that local people and school children could see them up close before they continued their journey to the foundry at Loughborough.

Three of the bells had remained undisturbed in the tower for almost 400 years.

The work was part of an exciting project to refurbish the tower from spire to floor with the principle work involved being the replacing of a defective beam supporting the bell frame.

However the PCC agreed to do much more than that by moving the ringing chamber where the bells are rung from the first floor to the second floor.

This allows the ground and first floors to be converted to exhibition and small meeting rooms where there will be displays and leaflets featuring a number of topics of local interest.

The work was funded from a variety of generous sources, principally the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust and Tarmac Lefarge among others.

In addition, contributions from local people in supporting a variety of fund raising events over the past two years have made this work possible.

Dave Evans, project manager, said it was a privilege to be involved in work which provided such a valuable community asset.