St. CATHERINE PONTYPRIDD

8 bells 12cwt-2q-21.1bs. F#

The church and tower, with its prominent land mark spire, were built  in 1868, and the bells are dated 1913. Cast by John Taylor & Co they are hung  in an H pattern frame with Hastings equipment on all except three and four,  which were converted several years ago to ordinary stay and slider. Access to the  bells is via a slender iron ladder to the clock chamber, thence a wooden ladder  and trap door which opens up under the tenors pits. All the bells are totally  inscribed in Welsh, the bell frame is a very tight fit in the space available, and  the climb up into the bells is not for the faint-hearted ! In all a draught  of some forty feet exists, divided by the clock chamber.

The bells are particularly pleasant to ring, being a "modern"  installation with recent overhaul of the bearings, maintenance of the frame and  tidying of the tower; although the two trebles are very flighty and require skill  to strike properly, and the ringing chamber really could benefit from a rope guide  (and some damp-proofing !!). The tower and bells benefit from good internal acoustics, but the tower has had some simple sound insulation fitted to  divert noise away from local housing. This however does not preclude regular  peal  attempts. An Ellacombe apparatus is also installed in the tower.

Access to the ringing chamber is via a small outside door at the base of the tower, and (ascending) clockwise spiral staircase. Watch your head on  the metal plate that forms the landing.

  Parking is plentiful in the locality, with two pay-and-display facilities within  1 minute walking distance. One word of warning though - Saturdays are busy  for parking, especially when Ponty are playing at home !!

SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES. 8.15am. A quiet said service.
11am.Holy Communion.  Main service of the day.
6pm. Evening Service. Fairly trad. evensong with  service.

The vicar is the Rev. Marcus Green tel 01443 402021

 "E" Mail  [email protected]

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