We would like your help with a project which, we think, would help keep St Mary's Church, Stone in the forefront of the latest developments within Kent Thameside.  We feel it important that the church, no less than the world, continues to be part of the developing environment.  St Mary's is a famous and architecturally significant Grade I listed building, known under the historic nickname of "The Lantern of Kent".  The tower which gave the church its nickname is and has been for centuries a navigation mark for shipping owing to its prominent position overlooking the Thames, but it lost its ring of bells following a lightning strike and disastrous fire in the seventeenth century.  We want St Mary's to continue to be a landmark of significance for all by reinstating a ring of six bells in the tower, so that Queen Elizabeth I's 'nightingales', as she once described their sound, can once more sing out again over Kent Thameside. The ringing of church bells is a mark of celebration throughout Great Britain and, looking ahead, we are preparing to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and in the same year the London Olympics during which Stone will be hosting the judo events. Installing a ring of bells like this would also provide a way of introducing a new generation to the traditional English exercise of change ringing giving an opportunity to be trained, participate in and experience this living art form.
 
Can you help us? We have, to date, raised the majority of the overall cost, but we are still looking for sponsors to contribute towards the remainder. If you would like to sponsor one of our six bells we seek contributions in the region of £4,000 each. Our sponsors will be invited to be the "godparents" at the traditional baptism of the bells when the bishop inaugurates them. This is normally an occasion of great celebration for the community and your part in the proceedings would be openly acknowledged.
 
If you would like to support this exciting venture with a financial contribution, or in any other way, please do get in contact with us.