Europe's bells to keep ringing out
The 'Maintenance and protection of bells' (Probell) project was established to preserve Europe’s unique cultural heritage by extending the working life of church bells through repairs and by determining the best conditions for them to be rung. The EU-funded project involved nine historic and new small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) bell foundries and clapper manufacturers. The consortium's professional service reduced the cost of repair and the risk to people and property from damaged bells and clappers. Reliable project data enabled specialists to develop reliable equipment and procedures for predicting damage to bells. Tools were also created for assessing the sound of new bells before they are cast and efforts enabled a higher musical quality to be maintained. In addition, project partners helped to develop fresh standards for the installation of bells similar to the newly defined DIN4178 for church towers with bells. The consortium further established a competence centre for supplying expertise to churches, foundries, clapper manufacturers and others involved with bells and bell towers. Thanks to the Probell consortium Europe's bells will be lovingly maintained, enabling them to be appreciated by future generations.
