Maria Caulfield, Member of Parliament for Lewes, was thrilled to join residents in Piddinghoe for the Blessing of the Bells.
Maria and the residents of Piddinghoe were joined by The Right Reverend William Hazelwood Bishop of Lewes to bless the newly restored bells on Sunday 23 April, 2023.
The three restored bells and the additional 3 recovered bells, donated by the Keltek Trust, were blessed, and named on St. George’s Day, 2023. On the spring afternoon, the community joined Maria and The Right Reverend William Hazelwood, Bishop of Lewes for a special service in the 12th Century Church, Saint John the Evangelist.
The restored Bells from 1713 were named:
Tenor Archangel Michael: 6cwt 0qtr 13 lbs in A
Fifth Saint George: 4cwt 3qtr 9lbs in B
Fourth Saint Marcia: 4cwt 2qtr 0lbs in C-sharp
Recovered Bells donated by The Keltek Trust
1820 Third Saint Thomas: 4cwt 0qtr 16lbs in D
1733 Second Saint David: 2cwt 2qtr 21 lbs in E
1733 Treble Saint Brigid: 2cwt 1qtr 6lbs in F-sharp
Maria Caulfield MP said:
“It was a lovely afternoon with Piddinghoe residents for the Blessing and Naming of the bells.
A huge well done to all at St John the Evangelist who spent the time and energy raising the money to restore the church bells.
I was delighted to attend the service to bless and name them with the Reverend.”