OUR STORY

This is the story of a journey to the future. Step by step, the colourful course of the campaign for New Bells for Richmond. Supported by generous benefactors, our own community and sprinkled with the glamour of celebrity endorsements this has been a fantastic fund raising effort that will deliver eight new bells at St Mary Magdalene parish church. And all in time for Christmas.

- May 2025 -

An application for a faculty (formal permission) to install new bells is submitted by the Richmond ringers to the Diocese of Southwark. This is the culmination of several years of consultation and painstaking paperwork.

The proposal is for the three oldest bells, made by William Bartlet in Whitechapel in 1680, to be retained and retuned. They will sit alongside five new bells made in Holland by Royal Eijsbouts in Asten. This is the largest bell foundry in the world and makers of the mighty Olympic bell for the 2012 London Olympic Games at Stratford. The heaviest of the redundant bells, the 19cwt tenor, will be melted down and other bells to be displayed in the church.

- July 2025 -

The faculty is issued by Philip Petchey, chancellor of the Diocese of Southwark, authorising new bells for Richmond.

Project group of four ringers formed to plan fund raising and communications. Initial budget of £200,000 agreed.

- October 2025 -

New Bells for Richmond launched and announced to St Mary Magdalene Sunday morning congregation on October 12. New website created and social media channels focus on fund raising.

- November 2025 -

New Bells for Richmond launched and announced to St Mary Magdalene Sunday morning congregation on October 12. New website created and social media channels focus on fund raising.

- December 2025 -

Grants boost as funding reaches £77,000 with pledges pushing total to £90,000. Renovation of historic peal boards added to budget which with other costs is now set at £240,000. Richmond bells announce ChristmaS lights switchon. The order for the new bells is placed with Royal Eijsbouts.

- January 2026 -

Heritage of London Trust gives £8000 to pay for in-church display of three retired bells. Actor Richard E Grant records video in support of New Bells for Richmond. Ding Dong!

- February 2026 -

Film Night. Ringers host gala screening of Ring Out Your Bells from the Midsomer Murders television series. It’s a sell-out and Hugh Boneville, who was in the cast, sends recorded message of good wishes. The event raises £3000.

- March 2026 -

Richmond rock star Richard Ashcroft donates tickets worth £500 to his O2 show. The ringers set up a raffle. Another huge star Rick Astley records video inviting support for new bells. Total now standing at £188,000 after more grants and legacies.