Church towers and cellular phones
From the RW Issue
4534, page 280
March 1998
EMBLETON, NORTHUMBERLAND.
I refer to Peter Wenham’s letter published on page 155 (13th
February). Embleton, Northumberland was subject to a similar approach
many years ago. The then vicar, now Archdeacon, Peter Elliot and his
PCC dealt with the application. I became involved since there was no
active band at the time and Morpeth ringers used to ring for occasional
services and weddings. I was not involved in the financial arrangements
although I recall that the communications company was required to pay
the church separately, at an enhanced rate, for electricity used. I am
fairly certain there was not a separate metered supply.
The vicar was concerned that the installation should not in any
way interfere with the bells. The communications firm assured him
repeatedly that they understood and had experience of bells and hence
there would be no problems. The bells were not rung for a few weeks
until the late afternoon of a Ringing Meeting prior to a Ceilidh Dance
at Rothbury. At Embleton the Ringing Master invited six ringers to
raise the bells in peal. The chimes were taken off and the raise
started. Suddenly there was a loud bang and flash and the lights went
out! Not just in the ringing room but across the village as well. The
knowledgeable communications firm had threaded a power cable through
the wheel of the third bell! The wheel was broken and had to be
replaced!
The bells were booked for a wedding two weeks later. Early
Saturday evening the vicar contacted the firm and insisted that they
meet him at the church to see the damage following a Sunday morning
service. This they did, although they had to travel from East Anglia to
do so. Acceptance of liability was immediate. Ringers from Morpeth and
Rothbury got together, a new wheel was ordered, made and fitted in time
for the wedding. To their credit the communications firm paid up
promptly and in full.
Lessons learnt include the need for a ringer to give
installation
advice and supervise/approve the installation work - whatever
assurances the company gives.
On a personal note, I am aware of the growing competitive nature
or the telecommunications market in the UK at present. This is likely
to continue and consequently I would recommend a short (2-3 year)
contract period. It is likely that within that time others may wish to
use your tower. This is also a good reason to ensure that the initial
installation, if agreed, does not preclude a second installation either
by the nature of installation or by a restrictive contract clause or
condition. Having described the pitfalls and possible commercial points
to be considered I confess to being generally in favour. A discreet
tower aerial system is clearly preferable to the ugly stand above
aerials we are beginning to see around the country, in my opinion.
C. J. WHEELER
Morpeth
End of article
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