In search of the bell
One of the first essential elements in the construction of the carillon project was to determine
bells, their ownership, the possibility of recovering them and their sound.
An architectural project plans to convert the building into apartments, with planning permission still pending.
is still pending. We decided to meet with the bishopric, the current owners and investigate the premises. We climb the ladder to the bell tower, where we find a 200kg bell. We consider its 'possible repatriation', using ropes
with the help of winches (attached to the bell tower's roof beams) and a bell specialist.
In short, it's possible to recover the bell, but musical analysis tells us that it doesn't sound right.
But that's another story...
Listen to the recording of St Joseph's church bell ringing
This recording has been analyzed, and it turns out that the bell doesn't sound right. But is this because of the dirt covering it, or because of where the bell was struck? When the bell is down and cleaned, we'll see if it sounds better and if it can rejoin the carillon. Taking down a bell is no mean feat. This will be the job of Olivier Baudri, Tellin's bell maker.
To be continued ...