Many people interested in the project to replace the bells have witnessed their being cast, in time honoured fashion, by John Taylor Bellfounders of Loughborough. Several donors were able to see “their” bell which they had paid for. A group of pupils from Sladen School were very pleased to see their school name on the “Town” bell to which they had contributed over £1,000. Now it is possible, for a short period, for everyone to see the bells “close up”. However, do hurry as they will only be on display in the church for a few days before they disappear into the tower ready to ring out over the town for at least a hundred years.
A special concert has been arranged to welcome the bells on Saturday 22nd November at 7:30pm, in St Mary’s Church. It will be given by the Gemini Choir led by Freda Rollason. This is a mixed choir of 25 to 30 singers whose repertoire is very varied ranging, on this occasion, from Elgar to Cole Porter, by way of folk songs and spirituals. The choir, who have been singing together for a number of years are twinned with a choir in Gronau, Germany where they often perform. Admission is £6 (£5 concessions) which includes refreshments in the interval when you will have a great opportunity to examine the new bells at your leisure. To complete the weekend, on the following day, Sunday 23rd November, the bells will be blessed during the morning service which starts at 10:30am. In addition to these two events the church will be open to visitors between 10:30am and 3:30pm on Friday, Saturday and Monday (21st, 22nd and 24th November). The total amount initially required to renew the bells was £135,000. Eighteen months later only about £12,000 is still to be raised. If any listener would like to be associated with this historic project then either leave a donation when you go to see the bells or else contact Freda Salter on 01562 744182. For Taxpayers, Gift Aid forms are available which will increase the value of your donation by 28p in the pound. Whether you feel able to help or not, do take advantage of this opportunity to see Kidderminster’s new bells at close quarters. Remember, such a chance is unlikely to occur again in your lifetime. | 
