A STONE church’s bid to keep its bells chiming has got a ringing financial endorsement – and the battle continues to let another piece of town history stay at home.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £33,000 to the Stone Bells Appeal, a campaign was launched last year to raise £140,000 to restore the bells and bell frame at St Michael and St Wulfad's Church.
And another appeal has been launched to raise the cash needed to keep the Stone Priory Seal, found in a Surrey field last year, in its home town.
The 12th century seal was on show at the church’s heritage open day this month, when visitors also had the opportunity to climb the church tower for an aerial view of Stone and see military artefacts relating to the town, displayed by Stephen Edwards.
On October 11 there will be a fundraising evening in aid of the seal appeal at Sandon Hall, including talks on seals and Stone Priory’s history. Tickets cost £10 and are available from Home and Colour in Stone High Street.
