17 November 2010
Jonathan Djanogly, the Member of Parliament for the Huntingdon Constituency, has today urged his constituents to support the Little Paxton Has Bell Appeal when it is in the Anglia ITV final of the People's Millions. The Project will feature on ITV 'Anglia Tonight' at 6 pm on the 24th November. The bells in St James' Church have not been rung regularly for about 100 years. One of the bells was made in St Neots in 1791 by John Taylor and the company the Church are using to do the bell work now, John Taylor & Co, is effectively that same company. The clock is unique and is also thought to have been made at John Taylor's works in St Neots although it is not possible to age the clock precisely. At present the bells are hung in an ancient wooden bell frame thought to be from about 1700 and as part of the project will be preserved, but a new steel frame will be constructed to take the existing four bells plus a further two second hand bells. A small twenty four inch bell will be hung in the old frame to be used for when the clock chimes. The clock face was restored as the Village Millennium Project and it is fitting that the movement is now restored. Mr Djanogly said; ‘I think that this is a thoroughly worthwhile project and I am sure that it will ensure the place of St James’ at the very heart of the Little Paxton community. The building is currently a wonderful example of a religious structure and I am sure that the works that are planned will augment the Church for generations to come. ‘I am proud to have such a Church in the Huntingdon constituency and I wish every success for Wednesday 24 November for this very worthwhile scheme of which I am thoroughly supportive. I hope that everyone will get behind the scheme and vote to help it achieve the funding boost.’