A church in Richmond has raised £188,350 to restore its original bells and has received support from Richard Ashcroft amongst other UK celebrities.
St Mary Magdalene’s efforts started in October 2025, with the aim to rebuild three bells and add five new ringers that are more user-friendly. It wants to use the new chimes to recruit younger members.
The church has most recently announced a raffle that closes on 28 March. The winner will receive two Richard Ashcroft tickets worth £250 for his O2 concert that same day.
Alongside Ashcroft, other celebrities have offered their support.
Singer Rick Astley spoke about the church in a video posted on the website. In the clip he said: “The old bells are finished, done, so if you feel inclined please make a donation, as we are all in need of some new bells.”
Hugh Bonneville, who starred in the movie ‘Ring out your dead’ that played at a fundraising event, when asked for a comment said: “The sound of church bells on Sunday mornings seems to be somehow quintessentially British. Unless the ringers haven’t practised, in which case it’s hideous.”
Richard E Grant has also helped the cause. In a video posted by the church, he said: “The bells are in dire need of replacement, please if you feel so inclined, make a donation – ding dong.”
The three original bells that date back to the 18th century have been an issue for around 15 years due to a heavy frame. The noise is not as good as it could be according to the bell ringing team.
Team member Thomas Ashwin Siejkowski said: “The support has been overwhelming, it is mostly thanks to the powerful tool of social media.”
St Mary’s efforts will create a new octave for the ringers; the church hope to have all eight bells back by the end of 2026.
Bell ringer Andrew Harvey said: “The new bells will help confidently expect new ringers to enjoy the experience and to carry the tradition of English church bell ringing forward.
“We’ve been very pleased with the results so far, there has been a lot of work behind the scenes with the team doing the leg work. It is very satisfying to see it paying off.”
Substantial amounts of money has been raised through grant applications such as a £50,000 sum from Richmond Church Charities.
The fundraising team including Jackie Harrison, Sarah Percival, Amanda Adams, Joanna Kitson-Cooke and Joanna Aldon have worked hard to involve the community with many donations being made by the congregation.
Congregation members have also paid tribute to passed individuals by sponsoring a bell and adding an inscription on the inside.
St Mary Magdalene’s has now reached its target to restore the bells and congregation members are now aiming to raise more to cover projects within the church.
Church members are hosting sessions to have a last ring on the bells before on 22 June to raise an extra bit of money and involve the local community.
Richmond’s May Fair on 9 May is also a big day in the calendar as the church will offer the chance to use hand held bells on the green.
If you are interested in learning more or giving to the campaign, there is more information on the crowdfunding page.
Photo credits: Andrew Harvey and Thomas Ashwin Siejkowski, St Mary Magdalene church
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