A celebration is to be held when two newly restored church bells will return home after a three month wait.

Waltham Abbey Church on Church Street, Waltham Abbey, sent away their sixth and seventh bells to be recast on November 28, 2019.

On Easter Sunday last year, the seventh bell cracked, causing it to lose its tone and become unringable, seriously curtailing ringing at the church.

After analysing the sixth bell, there was a strong likelihood that the sixth bell could also crack at any time.

Professional advice was taken and the best option was to recast both the bells, both of which dated back to 1806.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The sixth and seventh bells in Waltham Abbey Church were over 200 years old

In October the bells were lowered safely and transported to Britain’s bell-making company, Taylor’s Bell Foundry, in Loughborough to be recast.

Having been finished and tuned the bells will officially return and be baptised in the Market Square by Bishop of Barking, the Right Revd Peter Hill on Friday, February 7.

Celebrations will continue with refreshments, all are welcome to share in this.

The bells will stay on public display in the church over the weekend before being re-hung on Monday, February 10.