Henry Tufnell MP has visited St David’s Cathedral, where he had the opportunity to witness the tradition of bell ringing and also met with members of the St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project in Pembroke.

St Mary’s Church, located in the heart of Pembroke, is home to a set of historic bells that have been a cherished part of the town’s life for over 260 years. However, due to structural and safety concerns, these bells have been silent, putting a pause on their role in significant civic and cultural events, including Remembrance Sunday and local celebrations.

A significant £150,000 from the £10.5 million UK Government funding pot has been allocated to this restoration project, but delays in finalising the grant have hindered progress. Henry pledged his commitment to ensuring that the project receives the attention it deserves to move forward without further obstacles.

The meeting underscored the vital importance of preserving the town’s unique heritage while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the restoration team.

Following his visit, Mr Tufnell said:

“Speaking with members of the St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project at St David’s Cathedral highlighted how much this initiative means to the people of Pembroke. Restoring these historic bells is about more than just tradition; it’s about community pride and keeping our heritage alive for future generations.”

“I’m determined to help ensure this project gets the green light it needs and I will be doing everything in my power to ensure it happens,” added the MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire.

The St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project has garnered widespread support from local residents and businesses, whose donations have helped secure the match funding required for the Fund. Completing the project would be a significant milestone, securing a vital piece of Pembroke’s history for years to come