First 'Hope Bell' in memory of victims of the pandemic to be cast this weekend

The Hope Bell project will see the creation of a clock chime installation in Queen's Park, Loughborough.

Work to create a lasting memorial in Loughborough to mark the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local communities will soon get underway.

The Hope Bell project, backed by Loughborough Town Deal, will see the creation of a clock chime installation comprising four quarter chime bells and the main Hope  Bell to sound the hours.

It will be a lasting memorial to all those in Charnwood who have lost their lives in the Covid-19 pandemic and be a tribute to NHS and key workers. It will also be a beacon of hope for the future.

Loughborough is synonymous with bells, being home to the last working bellfoundry in the UK.

John Taylor and Co. will cast the first bell for the project during the National Heritage Open Day on Saturday, September 11.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, co-chair of Loughborough Town Deal and Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The Hope Bell will be a symbol of hope, thanks and remembrance for our communities and will be a place where people will be able to go for a moment of quiet reflection.

“I am pleased the first quarter bell is being cast and look forward to seeing the project develop.”

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, co-chair of Loughborough Town Deal, said: “Taylor’s made the bells in the Carillon Tower which is Loughborough’s War Memorial so it is fitting that they will be creating the Hope Bell.

“We hope the community will get behind the project as it develops.”

Andrew Wilby, Trustee of the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, said: “We are honoured to play our part in the creation of this significant community Covid memorial to the citizens of Charnwood and we look forward to welcoming the community to the Bellfoundry to watch the process.”