THE people of Evesham have continued to throw their support behind the Bell Tower Appeal and there is now only around £47,000 left to raise.

The campaign, supported by the Journal, to repair and conserve the 16th century Bell Tower in the centre of Evesham began with a target of £500,000.

But it's now nearing the end of its journey thanks to the support of the town and a committed set of volunteers.

Recent events pushing the funds towards the total included a local history day school run by the Vale of Evesham Historical Society as part of the Worcestershire Local History Forum, entitled, bells and belfries, chimes and time, in Worcestershire, took place on Saturday, October 11.

Forty five people went along to listen and have a guided tour of St Lawrence’s Church as well as the Bell Tower ringing chamber.

One or two of the attendees were also bell ringers, so some impromptu bell ringing was thrown into the mix.

It was followed by one of Diana Raphael's monk's suppers, which saw All Saints Church transformed into a medieval banqueting hall for a feast incorporating only food monks would have eaten, entertainment with Avonbank Brass Band, John Raphael as Simon de Montfort and John Martin and an 8ft tall model of the tower.

Upcoming events include an Antarctica talk by Sue Ablett on Friday, October 24 at 8pm, Raphael’s Café and a return concert by local choir, Tarantara on Saturday, November 29, at All Saints Church from 7.30pm.

For more information or for tickets contact the Almonry or Sue Ablett on 07871285606 or sueablett1@btinternet.com.