Five historic bells are returning to their rightful home at St Sampson's Church in South Hill today, bringing an end to half a century of silence in the village.
It's a brilliant moment for the community, who rallied together to save these treasured artefacts from an uncertain future.
The bells, which date back centuries, were taken down in November 2023 because of safety worries. Since then, locals have worked tirelessly to raise the £30,000 needed for their restoration.
Key support came from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside Church Care, charitable trusts and individual donors who all chipped in to make this happen.
The bells at the church spent time at Taylors Bell Foundry awaiting their makeover while the fundraising effort gathered pace.
Four of the bells were crafted way back in 1698 by John Pennington and John Stadler, with a tenor bell joining the ring in 1831, made by William and Charles Pannell.
What makes them particularly special is the inscriptions they carry – each one bears the names of local people from that era, creating a unique snapshot of South Hill's history.
Villagers will get a rare opportunity to see these artefacts up close on Tuesday, when they'll be displayed on the church floor before heading back up the tower.
Five historic bells are returning to their rightful home at St Sampson's Church in South Hill today, bringing an end to half a century of silence in the village
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Local excitement is building ahead of Friday, January 16, when the bells are due to ring out for the first time in five decades.
One neighbour said residents were "very excited to hear them again", describing the moment as a powerful reminder of shared history and community spirit.
Church representatives reckon the project shows what can happen when heritage is properly valued and supported – it can take its place at the heart of everyday life once more.
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The church bells had been out of action since November 2023, but finally got the restoration required
| PASt Sampson's is one of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in the region, and the bells have long been an enduring symbol of local tradition.
The church itself has also received a major boost, with the National Lottery Heritage Fund awarding £200,000 to the grade one listed building.
That funding will tackle urgent repairs to the roof and ceiling, which have suffered extensive deterioration over the years.
With half the roof and ceiling now set to be fixed, St Sampson's takes a significant step towards being removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.
Reverend Andy Atkins, Vicar of St Sampson's Church, said: "We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
"Thanks to National Lottery players, we can now protect the future of St Sampson's Church and share its story with the wider community."
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