THE beloved nineteenth century bells of a town centre church have rung for last time before their long-awaited restoration.

The Final Toll of the bells at St Peter’s Church on the town square was held at a ceremony that also marked the fallen soldiers of WWI.

Due to the fragility of the bells and their frame, just one of the seven bells was rung a total of 101 times to represent each soldier from Ruthin that died during the war, as part of the town’s month of commemorations leading up to Remembrance Sunday on November 11.

The restoration, which has been wished for since their weekly ring was brought to a halt in 1977 due to concerns over the stability of their ancient oak frame, has finally been made possible by Big Lottery funding to the tune of £96,000.

The bells have been rung at the church since at least 1654, but were replaced in the 1800s by John Taylor & Co – who will also carry out the restoration work.

Speaking at the ceremony, Gavin Harris, deputy mayor of Ruthin and event organiser, said: “We are here to both commemorate the end of the First World War and to mark the loss of 101 men from Rhuthun who died during that horrific period of history, but it’s also a part of the process for St Peter’s Church who have been successful in obtaining funding to have their circle of bells restored.

“Because the bells will be taken out shortly, this evening was the last time that the bells could be rung before they are off for refurbishment. We felt it a fitting way to start the month-long commemorations to start with the bell peel.”

Whilst the bells rang, the names of the fallen men were projected onto a wall inside the church, which was initially planned for St Peter’s Square but was moved indoors due to heavy rainfall.

In attendance was Huw Williams, whose great uncle, William Owen Williams, was projected onto the wall amongst the other soldiers that died during the war.

Huw said: “The ceremony was really amazing and a great effort.

"My great uncle was a hair dresser at Ellis Williams of St. Peter’s Square who volunteered for the war and joined the Royal Lancashire’s, where he could have been sent from Chester.

“He was was killed after eight mounts on the frontline in France.

“It was quite emotional to see the 101 names in the church.

“There was a lot of proud people there.”

Reverend Stuart Evans, who helped stage the event, said: “This evening was the last opportunity to hear in their present sorry state. It’s great that people gathered for what we called ‘The Final Toll’, which is an opportunity to remember the 101 men from Ruthin who feel during World War I.

“For me, the bells are significant to the town because they have been rang over centuries. They were first established in the 16th century and have rang out for special occasions – weddings, services, and the commemoration of the end of World War I, and here we are 100 years on remembering it again.”

Work to restore the bells will begin on November 5 with completion expected in May 2019.

The month-long centenary commemorations in Ruthin will continue until Remembrance Sunday. For more information visit www.rhuthun.com