Campsea Ashe: Bells a blessing for church after theft

When a gang of thieves stole a set of church bells from a factory, it was crushing news for villagers who had raised thousands of pounds to get them restored.

The cast iron bells were due to be hung at St John The Baptist Church at Campsea Ashe, near Wickham Market, when they were taken in a raid on a Dorset-based business in September.

But, after an insurance pay-out, a new peal of bells were cast and they were hung at the church just before Christmas.

And, on Friday night, the Rt Rev Clive Young, the Bishop of Dunwich, led a special dedication service at the church to bless the bells. About 100 members of the congregation attended the service and listened to the sound of the bells ringing out across the village.

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