Cathedral bells bound for UK
Chris Oldham
| 31 Aug 2011
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The ChristChurch Cathedral bells have been removed from Cathedral Square and placed into safe storage.
All 13 bells survived the collapse of the tower in the February quakes.
However, the fifth bell is cracked and will need to be melted down and re-cast. The others will need testing, some TLC, and new headstocks and wheels fitted.
This work will be done at Taylors Bellfoundry in Loughborough (UK) which cast the bells in 1978.
The shipping company Maersk has offered to ship the bells to and from England for no charge. They will head away shortly.
The statue of the Risen Christ outside the west doors has also been removed and placed in safe storage.
Meanwhlle, continuing aftershocks and a month of snow, rain and ice have caused further deterioration of the Cathedral.
The Project Control Group – representing Chapter, Church Property Trustees and project manager Beca – is seeking more information before vital decisions can be made on retrieval of fabric and reconstruction.
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