THE sound of fully restored Holsworthy church bells is a step closer after the carillon was returned to the church.

It comes after a two year restoration of the carillon, a device that acts similar to a musical box allowing the bells to play melodies, which is set to be operational by the end of May.

A spokesperson for Holsworthy Bellringers said: “I am pleased to announce that the church carillon has been restored to its rightful location after being silent for more than two years. Over the past six months, the carillon has undergone a thorough restoration at the workshops of the Cumbria Clock Company.

“The carillon mechanism, similar to a mechanical music box, features a rotating drum with pins that control hammers, which strike the bells to produce melodies. Once fully restored, the carillon will play a tune every three hours between 9am and 9pm, five times each day.

“The clockmakers are presently on-site, and we anticipate that the carillon will be fully operational by the end of May. In addition, the clock striking mechanism, including the hammers and wire system, has been restored. As a result, the chimes of the clock will once again mark the hour and quarter hours, alongside the return of the carillon’s beautiful melodies.

“This restoration has been made possible through the generous support of a benefactor with longstanding ties to the church bells, who has provided the full funding for this project.

“In conjunction with this work, we are also undertaking the restoration of the church bells, for which we have been actively fundraising. We are nearing our fundraising target of £20,000, and Taylors of Loughborough, the bell hangers, are scheduled to begin their work in June.

“The return of these instruments serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the enduring history and future of our community.”