In deference to a feeling
that the collection of the money for the Tower and Spire had involved
a somewhat heavy drain on the resources of our village, nothing beyond
the sale of goods left over from the Fancy Fair, has yet been attempted
in the way of getting the money together. All the while however, like
the rolling snowball, our little fund has increased in
bulk, and we have £116 in hand and £34 more promised.
It is difficult to calculate exactly how much the cost will be, but
we believe it will not fall short of £350-400 to supply a really
good clock, which will chime the quarters, and a good set of Harrington
Tubular Bells. That is to say we want about £200 or £250
more than we have in hand. It is proposed to call together once more
the Tower and Spire building committee with a view to a scheme being
adopted, and estimates obtained, for the completion of their work.
In the meantinie we would ask our friends to prepare for the call
which must necessarily be made upon them."
Source: The Hampton Hill Parish Magazine
- 1893 January
"It is now more than five years since our Jubilee Memorial,
our Victoria Tower and Spire was finished. The fabric was finished,
but the Tower and Spire could not be said to be complete without a
Clock and without Bells. There has been a sufficient reason for the
delay. The cost of the Tower and Spire so greatly exceeded the original
estimate that it was not till October 1891 that it was entirely paid
for. Then it was thought that it would not be well to press too hard
upon our many liberal contributors, by asking at once for subscriptions
for the Clock and Bells. After a pause, a new departure is to be made,
which we trust will result in a speedy completion of not only the
Tower and Spire, but of S. James’ Parish Church. The old Building
Committee, which has existed for six years, met again, and once more
is sending forth an appeal to the Inhabitants of Hampton Hill, and
to all who are interested in the Church and Village.
It is estimated that a Clock with four dials and apparatus for striking
the hours and chiming the quarters will cost £150. A good set
of eight Harrington’s Tubular Bells will cost £250, and
allowing a margin of £50, we must not expect to complete the
work for less than £450. At present we have in hand £115
4s. 7d. made up principally of Offertories, £60 55. 7d.; Sale
of Work, £40; and Concert, £6 l0s. 0d. In addition to
this we have promises, many of them unsolicited, to the amount of
£89 7s. 0d., giving us a total of £204 1s. 7d. to start
with. We trust that this appeal will not go forth in vain, but that
subscriptions will flow in fast. We would venture to put in a personal
plea from the Vicar, to whom it would be a very solid gratification,
if indeed it could be completely finished, yet that the whole of the
money were collected, and the order given for the completion of the
work before he bids farewell to his work and home and friends at Hampton
Hill."
Source: The Hampton Hill Parish Magazine
- 1893 April
"The Committee appointed to make all the final arrangements respecting
the Clock and Bells have completed their work, and an agreement has
been entered upon with Messrs. Smith & Son to supply and fix a
clock with four dials in the tower, and also four ordinary bells for
chiming, the whole to be completed in November, and the cost to be
£375. A further estimate for the cost of four more bells, with
complete apparatus for ringing the whole eight, has been obtained
and amounts to a further sum of £400. It is thought, however,
that these should not be proceeded with at present, unless there were
hope of very large assistance forthcoming. In addition to the £375
(the amount of the contract), there are a few small expenses, which
will make the total cost slightly exceeed the sum in hand, or promised."
Source: The Hampton Hill Parish Magazine
- 1893 September
I am still unable to announce the exact date for the Dedication
of the Bells, but I expect it will be about the middle of the month.,
We shall all rejoice to hear our own Christmas Bells. The following
texts have been put upon them
(1.) “Enter into His Gates with thanksgiving, and into His Courts
with praise.”
(2.) “Glory to God in the highest.”
(3.) “On earth Peace.”
(4.) “Good will to men.”
May there be a continual response to the invitation, and may those
who come give glory to God for His goodness, and realize for themselves,
and promote in the world His message of peace and goodwill!
Source: The Hampton Hill Parish Magazine - 1893 December
