EVESHAM people have long enjoyed listening to a peal of bells and the Bell Tower is known amongst campanologists as one of the finest and most famous detached towers in the country .

Now, as the 16th century tower – which is all that remains of what was once Evesham Abbey – nears its 500th year, the Journal has launched the Abbey Tower Appeal which aims to help raise the £500,000 required to ensure the landmark can be repaired and conserved.

One of its main uses is its role as the home of Evesham’s bell ringers.

Bell Tower ringing master Chris Povey said: “It is the town’s trademark. Evesham bell ringing has very wide support throughout Evesham.

There is a very long tradition of bell-ringing in the town. It developed 400 years ago and there has been a ring of bells in the town since 1662.”

With the future of the tower now under threat Mr Povey said it is more important than ever to look back on what the building means to the town.

He said: “It’s an important building that means a great deal to myself and the people of Evesham. The ringing conditions here are very good.

The bells never sound harsh.”

Last year the team took part in the ringing of bells across the country in celebration of the Queen’s jubilee.

Mr Povey said: “I have been ringing for 50 years and ringing master here for 28 years.

Some of my earliest memories are of being taken by my parents through the churchyard and under the Bell Tower.

“I first rang here in my midteens and have rung regularly there for the last 35 years before being chosen to lead the team of ringers in 1984.

“Everything comes together at Evesham. I think if ringing were curtailed here it would not be just of local concern but of national concern.

We have a responsibility for its upkeep and that is very important.”

To donate to the Evesham Abbey Bell Tower Appeal and for more details, visit eveshambelltower.org.uk.