The restored bell cote at St Margaret’s Preston under Scar was dedicated by the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, Bishop of Ripon, at a recent Penhill Benefice service following a successful fund-raising effort both locally and nationally.
When the five-year review of the condition of the 165-year-old church (Quinquennial inspection) was carried out in 2022 the church architect Alexa Stephens reported that the stability of the bell cote stonework needed to be assessed, and the bell mechanism required de-rusting and re-decoration.
St Margaret’s parochial church council (PCC) decided to try and raise over £10,000 to cover the cost of restoring the bell cote and also damp proofing and repointing the vestry below it.
Patrick Earle, the churchwarden, said: “The PCC was able to attract substantial grant help from near and far - including Leeds Diocese, Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust and the Elm House Trust, and also raised £2,900 from an appeal to Preston under Scar residents.
“I want to stress the enormous help from charities both local and national which made us feel we are not totally isolated ‘in the depths of Wensleydale’.
“After a competitive interview process the bell cote and associated work was given to DGM&M Construction based in Preston under Scar.
“The project proceeded through the summer assisted by the wonderful weather.
“New stone was supplied by Calverts of Leyburn while the bell mechanism was repaired by Iveson’s of Finghall.”
At the Benefice Service Bishop Anna dedicated the restored bell and presided over its first ringing by Patrick Earle.
In her sermon Bishop Anna spoke about hope and quoted Bishop Sarah Mullally when designated as the next Archbishop of Canterbury: “In parishes across this nation, I see faithful clergy and congregations worshipping God and loving their neighbours.
“I see thousands of churches running food banks and homeless shelters.
“I see hospitals and prison chaplains caring for people and families in times of desperation.
“I see Church of England schools educating a million children across this country.
“I hear parishioners ringing bells and inviting people to pray.
“I hear the quiet hum of faith in every community, the gentle invitation to come and be with others, and the welcome extended to every person.
“In all of this, I see hope – because I see the person of Jesus Christ, reaching out to us all.”
In the church’s letter to parishioners in Preston under Scar earlier this year it stated: “Our church is at the heart of our village; it is always open for everyone, as a place for quietness and reflection.”
Funds are being raised to replace the North window which, as noted in the Quinquennial inspection, is severely rotten.