Historic bells are set to ring out across Farnham from St Andrew’s once more – as part of a project celebrating the conservation and contemporary life of this much-loved Grade I listed church.
The Routes & Ringers project has been awarded initial funding – just over £520,000 – by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). Funding will lay the groundwork for a further bid for vital repairs to the church tower, restoration of its historic bells an exciting programme of partnerships, free events and learning opportunities.
The Development Phase will run until mid-February 2028 and will scope out and plan for the main works whilst piloting a vibrant range of community activities to inform the main programme. During this phase, visitors will also be able to learn more about the challenges facing this Grade 1 listed building and discover more about its fascinating history.
From bellringing demonstrations and walking for wellbeing, to arts, traditional crafts and live performances, Routes & Ringers opens new and accessible ways to discover the stories of the church and its community, to learn new skills and connect with others. Here’s a taste of what’s to come:
- Walks and pilgrimages connecting people to our cultural heritage whilst supporting wellbeing
- An exhibition on the historic roots of pilgrimage, our place on the Pilgrims way and the resurgence of this tradition
- An opportunity to try basic furniture making techniques at local community centres
- A new programme of concerts in partnership with Farnham’s University of Creative Arts
- Opportunities to discover the challenges of the restoration and the conservation approaches used.
More about our partners
Key partners are supporting the Routes & Ringers project. Farnham’s location on the Pilgrim’s Way, the ancient route from Winchester to Canterbury, means it is a key hub for walkers and pilgrims. The British Pilgrimage Trust will work with the project to deliver walks to Waverley Abbey and Canterbury, following the Trust’s principles of ‘bringing your own beliefs’ – making pilgrimage and walking in the British landscape rich in diversity.
Partners from the creative sectors include the University of Creative Arts, the Crafts Study Centre and the Farnham Furniture School. They’ll help Routes & Ringers to showcase local arts, music and artisan craftsmanship.
The project aims to refurbish the tower’s ten existing bells – the earliest of which dates from 1388 – and add five new bells. The stairway will be refurbished for better access and steel walkways installed so the public can see the bells clearly. If the project development phase is successful in securing further funding, the tower and its 15 bells will become a vibrant hub for those who want to train and practice as bellringers. Routes & Ringers is working closely with the Guildford Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers to explore these plans.
For more information, please e mail the Routes & Ringers project team here.
