The bells, the bells – bringing a Time and Tide Bell to Barry

Each bell rings around high tide

3 minutes read

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to bring a Time and Tide Bell to Barry.

If so, Barry would join a “national trail of coastal artworks – sculptures that ring at high tide, creating a living connection between communities and the changing sea.”

**| Brian Mayne at Cemaes Bay, with the bell in the background.**

The first Time and Tide Bell was installed at Appledore, Devon in 2009 and there are now 10 dotted around the UK coastline. The idea came from UK sculptor Marcus Vergette and Australian bell designer Neil McLachlan. The bells have been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which has given enough cash to fund 16 bells.

The cost of installing the bell is down to the host town. Barry and Redcar are in the process of being registered, which will take the total to 12.

Each bell rings around high tide. The founders of the project believe that the bells will provide a reminder that rising sea levels caused by climate change will make the ringing pattern change. It could be the case that some of the bells will have to be relocated in the 21st Century.

Brian Mayne, a Barry environmentalist and Glamorgan Star columnist, noticed one bell when on holiday in Cemaes Bay, Anglesey. He is now part of the group that would like to bring one to Barry.

He said: “At Cemaes Bay, I was struck by how beautifully it connected people to the coastline, to heritage, and to the reality of rising sea levels. It felt like something that would resonate deeply here in Barry, given our maritime history and iconic shoreline.

“When I returned home, I wrote to the Time and Tide Bell director, Peter Gingold, outlining my ambition to bring a bell to Barry. Peter explained that before a bell could be offered, I would need to demonstrate clear local support — and that began a period of engagement with our elected representatives and community leaders.”

So far, Brian has had encouraging responses from the then Senedd Member, Jane Hutt, Vale MP Kanishka Narayan, Barry RNLI, and the then Mayors of Barry and also the Vale (Dennis Clarke and Naomi Marshallsea). Time and Tide representatives have visited Barry, taking a close look at the Knap, Jackson’s Bay, and Whitmore Bay. They gave permission – subject of course to planning permission.

Brian said: “I think it will place Barry on the map as part of a national trail of coastal artworks. In short, it’s a symbol of our past, a warning about our future, and a creative asset for the community today.

“The next stage is all about partnership and community participation. The bell itself is gifted to the town, but the project can only move ahead if the community is actively involved. To this end, I have been fortunate to get on board a group of local people who are committed to getting a bell in Barry.

“We also need to raise funding for the supporting frame and installation, because while the bell is provided, the structure that holds it must be paid for locally. Sponsorship, donations, and community fundraising will all play a part.”

At present, the most likely site for the bell is at the Friar’s Point end of Whitmore Bay, where there used to be a tidal swimming pool. Concrete in that area would make a solid base for the bell.

There will be an information and launch event at Barry Island Community Centre on Friars Road, 30th September at 7.30pm.

To hear what a Time and Tide bell sounds like, visit here.

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