Wivelsfield, St Peter and St John the Baptist

6 bells, 5¾ cwt in Bb. 

The six bells at Peter and St John the Baptist in Wivelsfield are hung in a cast iron frame by Mears & Stainbank in 1954, at the time of their first rehanging and augmentation to six. The frame is rare, with only one other similar frame in existence. Based loosely from an 'A' type frame design, the bearings sit at the top of the frame, with each leg holding two rungs, which are ideal for foot placement. The frame top is wide enough to accommodate the two bearings sitting next to each other, in alignment.

The six bells were cast by a mix of founders. The treble and 4th having been cast in 1954 by Mears & Stainbank, during the rehanging of the same year. The 2nd was cast in 1766 by Lester & Pack, the 3rd in 1906 by Gillett & Johnston, the 5th in c1450 by William Chamberlain and the tenor in 1714 by Samuel Knight. The back two bells retain their canons, with the headstocks being of a design that still utilises them. The bells were rehung again in 2005 by Nicholson Engineering Ltd, who overhauled the 1954 fittings, removed the crown staple remains from within the bells as well as the cleaning and painting of the frame. The bells were also fitted with new ceiling bosses in the ground floor ringing room, and rope slap boards in the clock chamber to minimise any handling deficiencies. The question one has, however is why neither Mears & Stainbank in 1954 or Nicholson Engineering Ltd in 2005 weighed the bells during their associated work. Only the two 1954 Mears & Stainbank bells have exact weights, the others taking estimations.

The bells are rung regularly by the local band. Practice night is Thursday from 20:00 to 21:15, and ringing can range up to and including Surprise Minor. Sunday service ringing is from 10:00 to 10:30. There are occasional quarter peals for Evensong, which are usually of Mixed Doubles. As of August 2024, the band is ringing through the Surprise and Treble Bob Minor Alphabet. 

Photos courtesy of OEPW's personal archive.