THE Bell Tower Appeal has generated huge interest from the people of the town in the history of the building.

This has led to increasing number of people taking the opportunity visit the ringing chamber, one of the finest English-hung rings of bells in the world.

The last major conservation work on the Tower was carried out in 1951 and at the same time major work was also carried out on the bells and all ten bells in place at that point were recast and two new bells were added.

A further bell was added some years later.

This work on the bells in 1951 was carried out by John Taylor & Sons of Loughborough.

To mark the current appeal, the Friends of Evesham Parish Church and Bell Tower, have arranged a visit to The John Taylor Bell Foundry in Loughborough - one of only two bell foundries still in production in the UK, and home to the only museum dedicated to the subject.

The visit will take place on Thursday, May 7, departing at 11.30am from Merstow Green.

Cost, including admission and coach travel, is £20 (adults) and £15 (children, aged 6-16).

For more information contact Rex Colwell on 01386 442283, or Sue Ablett, email sueablett1@btinternet.com, or telephone 0787 1285606.