A ringing endorsement for town

THE BELL tolled in Rugby's clock tower for the first time since the Second World War.

The bell rang out on St George's Day (Tuesday) thanks to the efforts of Mayor and history buff Kathryn Lawrence who insisted it be rung again after being silent for decades.

She and fellow Rugby historians have researched the history of the bell and discovered it had not chimed since at least VE Day in 1945, or even as far back as the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.

The passage of time meant the old mechanism was no longer in working order, but it has been replaced with a digitally operated device which will ring out every hour and half hour between 7am and 11pm.

The clock tower was built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887 and has been a focal point for town celebrations and commemorations ever since.

For last year's Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth, a commemorative plaque fixed to the clock tower was unveiled.

Speaking before the bells rang, Coun Lawrence said: "After many years and in recognition of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee the clock tower will now be able to chime again.

"The clock tower was built in 1887 and stands as a fitting memorial to reigns of the two longest serving monarchs in recent history.

"For many years it has served as a recognisable landmark in the streetscape of Rugby town centre and served as a landmark, meeting place and monument to history.

"Although we have tried to find out when the chimes last sounded we have not been able to get a definite answer. We do know all bells were silenced during the Second World War, although there are suggestions the chimes sounded at the end of the war and again for the present Queen's coronation.

"This is an excellent way to celebrate Rugby's - our past, our present and our future."

Rugby First boss, Aftab Gaffar, said afterwards: "I think it's brilliant this has happened after a very long time being silent.

"There have been some monumental occasions celebrated here, and the fact they will be ringing every hour and half hour is great for Rugby."

Buy photos» Crowds gather at 11am to hear the clock tower bell ring for the first time in decades. Picture by Jon Mullis 17.013.020.rug.jm3 (www.buyphotos247.com)

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