The 5 bells of St Swithun's, Great Chishill ( 4 made in 1686 and the other in 1841) fell into disuse in the 1970's, so with the Millenium approaching the community was asked to suggest an appropriate project to celebrate passing into the 2000's. A popular vote was to get the bells ringing again so that the new Millenium could be 'rung in' and other events could be celebrated. An appeal was launched and enough money was raised to have the bells and their fittings renovated into a ringable state, to have the frame that they are mounted in strengthened, and for a new 'ringing floor' created as a mezzanine level in the tower.

Ringing Floor from the nave

Ringing Chamber

Tower Layout

At that time there were not enough ringers in the village so a group of people went to other towers and learned how to ring. The Millenium was duly 'rung in' and the expectation was that from that point onwards they would be rung occasionally for weddings, special services etc. However, 20 years later they were still being rung almost every week.
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