More than a century has passed since the bells have rung out over one north Norfolk village. 

The time-honoured practice was forced to finish at St Martin’s in Hindringham after its tower became unstable. 

But it is hoped that one day in the not-too-distant future that quintessential sound of the English countryside will be heard again. 

North Norfolk News: Friends of Hindringham Church who are hoping to raise money to replace the bells. From left, Nick Richards, David Milnes, Stephen Linehan, Serena Jamieson, Naomi Linehan and Humphrey Boon. Picture: Denise BradleyFriends of Hindringham Church who are hoping to raise money to replace the bells. From left, Nick Richards, David Milnes, Stephen Linehan, Serena Jamieson, Naomi Linehan and Humphrey Boon. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

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For a new Friends group is forming with the goal of raising enough money over the next five years to repair the tower and replace its bells with a new set. 

Helen McKenzie, 60, moved to the village eight years ago and took up bell ringing.

Along with a group of others, Mrs McKenzie decided it was time to restore the Grade-I listed church to its former glory. 

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Mrs McKenzie said: “We’ve got a new vigour in the village and enthusiasm for the church.

North Norfolk News: Helen McKenzie, front, and Friends of Hindringham Church who are hoping to raise money to replace the bells. Picture: Denise BradleyHelen McKenzie, front, and Friends of Hindringham Church who are hoping to raise money to replace the bells. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

“The quinquennial [review] that we had this year found significant cracks in the tower and it is not very stable.

“The five bells were probably always too heavy for this particular tower.

"We’ve had various bell experts in the community come to look at it and the solution is to change it to six bells, but they could be lighter bells." 

The tower’s steps are badly worn, and its clock - which was donated by the village to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 - is no longer working because it cannot be accessed for maintenance. 

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Mrs McKenzie said: “We will have to have the steps recut. It’s a huge project, but massively exciting.” 

North Norfolk News: Hindringham Church Picture: Denise BradleyHindringham Church Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

She said hundreds of thousands of pounds would have to be raised for the project.

A launch meeting of the Friends' group is due to take place on Friday, June 9 at 6.30pm at the church.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend, call 07733 344498 or email friendsofhindringhamchurch@gmail.com to confirm.