From our picture archive, May 26, 2011 (From Cotswold Journal)
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From our picture archive, May 26, 2011
8:40am Thursday 26th May 2011 in Past
Workman hanging the new bell in St Mary’s, Aston Somerville
A new bell was hung in the empty tower of St Mary’s Church, Aston Somerville and a new clock installed - almost two years after it was destroyed by fire, 36 years ago.
The bell was re-cast from the metal of the two old ones and the clock in reconditioned from St Paul’s school, Hammersmith but the original face and hands escaped damage in the fire and were still in use.
Vestments and alter hangings which were destroyed or damaged were also replaced and a sewing circle, led by Mrs Lee and Mrs Mary Roebuck was formed and members received expert tuition in the craft of gold embroidery, preparatory to replace the pulpit drop and markers.
The fire which took place in December 1973 was the work of an arsonist and severely damaged the tower itself and the vestry. (Picture from our 1975 file)
