There is already a grant scheme in place via the Bell Fund for work that needs to be carried out on bells and their fittings (see What is on Offer). However, the Bell Fund cannot give grants for work other than that within its Charitable Objectives which do not cover any associated or other works necessary to keep bells ringing or any cosmetic works, and it is often left to the ringers themselves to raise money for these.
The Guild has now set up a Small Grants Fund which will provide a contribution towards such work. This is not intended to cover the full costs of the work but to provide a small contribution to encourage towers to think about improvements they might make to the ringing environment or to demonstrate, to churches, a willingness to help with other issues affecting ringing.
The type of works covered are:
- Minor fabric repairs (e.g. pigeon removal, rotten floors, failing louvres) and, in exceptional circumstances, repair/replacement of bell ropes;
- Improvements to ringing rooms and the ringing environment including e.g.
decoration, carpets, lighting, training facilities.
A limited sum has been included in this year’s budget to assess uptake. Grants will
normally be between 10% and 25% of the cost of the work (inclusive of vat) at the
discretion of the Management committee.
Applications will need to be supported by a full description of the works, why they are
necessary, and quotes (if possible 2 or more). Applications must be made before
work starts, and any grant offered will only be indicative until any necessary faculties
have been obtained.
Applications should be made in writing to the Management Committee secretary by submitting an application form.