Dorchester Corn Exchange Bells Paused for Essential Repairs

The bells located at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange are scheduled to cease ringing until next summer as they undergo necessary repairs. This maintenance involves replacing the custom-made metal strapwork that secures them and refurbishing the hammer mechanism. John Taylor of Loughborough manufactured these bells, which were subsequently installed in 1864 within the recently constructed clock tower, famously referred to as Galpin’s folly. The Dorchester Town Council expressed its hope that the bells might be reactivated in time to chime for the New Year celebrations. According to Town clerk Steve Newman, “Due to the specialist nature of this work, it will not be able to be completed until June next year and, as a precaution, the bells will be switched off until that work has been completed.” Town mayor Robin Potter stated: “The tower is called Galpin’s folly because many people feared it would collapse – with its bells – soon after it was built. “I think over 150 years is pretty good.”It will be a shame for anyone in town not to be able to hear the regular chimes for the next few months, but it will be worth it to make them safe for the next decades. “I do hope we can have them on for the special event of New Year to time the celebrations correctly.”