The bells were cast by John Taylor, Loughborough 1893, and were only the second ring (after Norton, Sheffield) to be tuned by the 'Simpson Principle'. They are housed in a steel frame and hung on one level. They have now been rehung on ball bearings.
Practice Night: Tuesday 7 to 9pm. (check with Doug on 01685 879999 before visiting) Sundays:
There is a monthly Sunday Services at St Tydfils . All special Services are rung for by arrangement.
Officers:
Tower Captain Doug Davison tel. 01685 879999 Correspondent: Doug Davison. E Mail:[email protected] tel. 01685 879999 or Tel. 01685 377682
St. TYDFIL'S CHURCH
History: The project was instigated by Sir William Thomas Lewis. By 1893 he was residing at 22a Queen Anne's Gate, Westminster, London. He raised subscriptions from 'eight old Merthyr boys' to provide a bell each. The bells were rung regularly up to 1929 and then were infrequently used until the late 1960's. In 1974 an accident occurred whilst a visiting band was ringing which resulted in the second bell leaving its (then) plain bearings and smashing the wheel. It was replaced in the frame but the bells were then silent until 1986. A threat to the bells came in that year when it was proposed that they be sold to pay off a small church debt. A committee was set up to save them, funds were raised, and as a result the fittings were removed, a new wheel made for the second and the bells restored to a ringable condition. A new band was formed, and ringing has continued to date, with further funds raised for a complete rehang.
THE CHURCH AND BELLS ARE AFFILIATED TO THE LLANDAFF AND MON. GUILD OF RINGERS.