St. Oswald's, Bidston

Work carried out on the Bell Installation 1995 - 96

Bell and fittings completely dismantled.
All iron work scaled and given two coats of red lead.
All screw threads dressed.
Bearings dismantled, cleaned and examined. The condition of the races is good but the self-aligning tracks are beginning to show signs of wear. The bearings are serviceable at present and there is no imminent danger of collapse but they should be renewed as soon as is convenient.
Old grease seals discarded and new ones fitted. Bearings reassembled into pedestals and packed with fresh grease.
Headstock and gudgeons examined and found to be sound.
The wheel on this bell is badly buckled and I strutted it at the outset of this overhaul as a temporary measure to enable the bell to be kept in use. A proper wheel stay has been made and fitted and the situation, although not perfect, is now considerably improved. The garter hole was found to be 3½" out of position. It has been filled in and a new one cut in a more correct position. Two new half-bobbins made and fitted to the new garter hole. Sundry other small repairs done to the wheel at this time. This wheel, although now serviceable, should be renewed when convenient.
Ground pulley box discarded and replaced with overhauled spare unit.
Worn runner board discarded. New one made and fitted.
Clapper eye bored true and fitted with new "Tufnol" bush and stainless steel pin.
Bearings refitted to headstock and assembly re-erected on bell frame. Tightened down. All free.
Bell hoisted back into position and secured to headstock with new canon pins, washers and split pins.
Wheel refitted with new wheel stay and all new nuts, bolts and washers.
Two 2" x 2" x ⅛" R.S.A. brackets made for wheel to headstock to give wheel greater rigidity.
Slider, pintle and new runner board fitted.
Clapper, stay and rope fitted.
Bell rung up and checked for set at hand and back strokes and even clappering. All in order.
New ceiling boss made and fitted to Ringing Chamber ceiling.