THE BISHOP of Exeter will be visiting St Michael's Church at Brentor for an evening service on Sunday, which will include the re-dedication of the bells and bellframe. 

There will be light refreshments on the tor from 5.30pm ahead of the service with the Rt Rev Michael Langrish at 6.30pm.

In 2010 following an architect's report it was found that the bell frame was in need of some repair.  On closer inspection by specialist bell founders the condition of the frame was discovered to be in a such a poor state that their strength was questionable. 

The parochial church council was told that the bells should not be rung again until this was remedied — the bells were silent for over a year.

In the early summer of 2011 Taylor Bellfounders started work, the bells were lowered to the floor and the frame disassembled.  The fittings were taken back to Loughborough for examination, repair and replacement as needed. 

In late summer the workmen returned and the task of rehanging the bells began.  The old beams were replaced, the bells were then hoisted into place, reassembled and a test ring undertaken, just in time to ring for the Harvest Festival service at the end of September.

Brentor PCC has been very fortunate in its support and funding from the Friends of St Michael who made the repair of the frame and bells possible. It was also indebted to the Devon Church Bell Restoration Fund for its grant of £2,000 and for its ongoing advice on keeping the tower and bells in good order.   

The Rev Michael Brierley, who has responsibility for Brentor, said: 'St Michael's is much loved by its worshipping community and also by its many visitors. 

'In this simple and isolated church perched on a volcanic outcrop with wonderful views of West Devon, people have, for centuries, felt the comfort and nearness of God's presence.  The re-dedication of the bells will affirm and renew 800 years of Christian worship in this place'.