First World War Carillon will ring out from South Holland Centre in Spalding

Shoppers will be able to hear a distinctive sound of bells coming from a town’s theatre on Saturday (February 1).

The South Holland Centre in Spalding houses a carillon - a musical instrument made up of bells that are played with a keyboard - and Jeff and Jacqui Woods have organised for it to be played for the first time this year.

Carillon towers were built as a memorial to remember those who gave their lives during the First World War.

Joanne Mackel, centre manager, said: “We are immensely grateful to Jeff and Jacqui Woods, who kindly arrange for the carillon to be played regularly throughout the year by volunteer carillonneurs Jayne and David.

“They give up their own time to ensure the bells continue to ring out and that this significant war memorial, and its place in Spalding’s history, isn’t forgotten.”

There are several carillon towers in the UK and Mr Woods, aka singer Pavanotti, is keen that the instrument is continually used.

He said: “Each bell commemorates someone who died in the First World War.

“It gets a lot of interest and has been played for a few years.

“This will be its first playing of the new year.”

Visitors in the town centre will be able to hear the unique sound around 10.30am.

Coun Henry Bingham, portfolio holder for assets and strategic planning, said: “I am grateful for the South Holland Centre’s carillonneurs who bring the building’s impressive carillon to life.

“We are fortunate to have this unique instrument in Spalding’s town centre and I am hopeful that it will continue to be used in the future.”

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