National Lottery grant to restore St Mary’s Church bells in Cardigan

The restoration of Cardigan’s historic St Mary’s Church bells is now underway after the church secured a £25,743 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The funding, made possible by National Lottery players, will be used to restore the essential fittings and framework of the bells and ensure they continue to ring out across the Ceredigion town for years to come.

Andrew White, director for Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “St Mary’s Church bells are at the heart of Cardigan’s heritage.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will secure the long-term future of the bells so they can continue to ring across Cardigan for generations to come.”

Key bell components and fittings have already been removed from the tower and are currently being restored by Whites of Appleton, specialist church bell hangers with generations of experience.

The bells of St Mary’s have been a familiar sound in Cardigan for generations, marking worship, celebrations and important moments in the life of the community.

The project aims not only to protect the physical bells, but also to preserve the traditional skill of bell ringing and invite more people to get involved.

Joy Haskett, tower captain at St Mary’s Church, Cardigan, said: “The bells are more than just part of the building — they are part of Cardigan’s story.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this restoration means we can protect this wonderful heritage and give future generations the opportunity to learn, take part, and keep the bells ringing.”

As part of the project, St Mary’s will work to increase community involvement, attract new volunteers and help people learn about the history and tradition of bell ringing.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.

Updates on the restoration will be shared over the coming months as the restored components return and the bells move closer to ringing out once again.

St Mary’s Church has extended its thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for making the restoration possible.

Andrew White, director for Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “St Mary’s Church bells are at the heart of Cardigan’s heritage.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will secure the long-term future of the bells so they can continue to ring across Cardigan for generations to come.”

Once complete, the restored bells will once again mark key events, services, and celebrations, continuing their role as a cherished part of Cardigan’s heritage and daily life.

For more information about the restoration project, contact Claire Morgan, project co-ordinator, at mogzymorgan1981@gmail.com or on 07495 408754.