Sandwell Business Ambassadors help to ring the bell for our borough

8th August 2024

A Smethwick church bell is chiming once again, thanks to the work of the Sandwell Business Ambassadors.

The bell at Holy Trinity Church in Smethwick had fallen silent when its hammer mechanism fractured.

Fortunately, John Wood, a Sandwell Business Ambassador and Deputy Lieutenant, had the connections needed to make it work again. He approached a local engineering company with the problem and – like magic – the team there redesigned and manufactured a new hammer and mechanism for the church, free of charge.

This is what the new part looks like in position:

‘The birthplace of industry’

Reverend David Gould is the vicar at Holy Trinity Church. He said he was delighted and thanked the engineers for their skill, enthusiasm and work in crafting the new hammer and mechanism:

“The first one had lasted from 1838 and I’m sure this improved version will last even longer!”

John said: “If anywhere on earth has the skills and the knowhow to craft a new mechanism for a church bell hammer, it’s Sandwell – the birthplace of industry. I was very glad to be able to bring the engineers and David together to help get the bell sounding again.”

Set in a prominent position at the end of High Street, Holy Trinity (or the Parish of the Resurrection to use its formal name) was the first parish church in Smethwick. Today’s congregation brings together people from five churches in Smethwick. Together they represent almost all the traditions that comprise the Church of England, strengthened further by Anglican Christians who have come to Smethwick from congregations across the Indian subcontinent and Africa.

Visit the Holy Trinity Church website.

Read more about the work of the Sandwell Business Ambassadors.

Thank you to Holy Trinity Church for the image of the outside of the church.