An appeal is being launched to restore and improve the ancient bells of a church in Chirk.

The six bells in the tower of St Mary’s Church have been rung every day since 1814 but require renovation to ensure they will continue to be rung for another 200 years or more. In addition, two more bells will be added to the set to complete the octave and expand the repertoire of ringing.

A special event to launch the appeal will take place on Saturday 16 March at 2pm. Visitors will be able to find out more about bellringing and climb the tower to see the bells and ringers in action.

The ringing master at Chirk, Peter Furniss, said: “There has been a ring of six bells in Chirk Church since 1519 and these current bells date from 1814. There has been no major work on the bells since 1912, when they were re-hung on a new frame.

“The bells continue to be rung regularly by an enthusiastic and committed band of ringers but their use for over 200 years has taken its toll and the bells require major expenditure to ensure that they continue to ring in the future. If funds allow the ringers would also like to complete the octave by adding two new bells. This will enable more ringers to take part in the ringing while also expanding the repertoire of what they can ring.”

The bells have been part of the soundscape of Chirk since 1519. They are rung to announce services and to mark happy occasions such as weddings and coronations but also to help the community to express its sorrow. The bells were rung muffled following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Peter added: “The total cost of restoring the present bells and adding two new bells will be in the order of £60,000. We’re hoping to attract some grants to assist with the appeal and will be contacting local businesses to see if they can assist with some practical elements such as lifting and transporting the bells. In addition, we will be organising various fundraising events which we hope will be fun and interesting for the local community.”

The fund-raising appeal for Chirk Bells is being launched on Saturday 16 March in Chirk Church Hall at 2pm when light refreshments will be available. At 2.30pm there will be a presentation about the planned restoration followed by an opportunity to climb the tower to see the bells and ringers in action.

St Mary’s Church in Chirk, is part of the Offa Mission Area, one of the 19 groups of churches in the Diocese of St Asaph and part of the Church in Wales.