An important chapter in the town's history was revived when the town's iconic bell and bell tower at Lyngby Old Cemetery were inaugurated on July 20.

"It's been two years since we started the project, and now we've reached the day when we can inaugurate the restored bell and bell tower. It's a big day, and it should be celebrated with a bang," says Søren Bangsø, chairman of the Nr. Lyngby Citizens' Association, which is the driving force behind the renovation project.

With help from foundations and strong local commitment, the citizens' association has managed to raise around a quarter of a million kroner for the extensive restoration of this historic monument – a project with deep roots in both the culture and nature of the area and of great significance to the region.

"The clock and clock tower have become an important part of Nr. Lyngby's identity and history. It is one of the area's well-known tourist attractions, located on the North Sea coast, and we believe it is important to preserve this landmark, which can be seen from all three access roads," says Søren Bangsø.

Historical landmark
The first bell for Lyngby Church, which was built at the end of the 12th century, was purchased in 1647. In 1872, it was replaced by another bell, which was produced at a German steelworks.

After Lyngby Church was moved further inland in 1913, the bell tower remained standing in the original cemetery. But in 2017, alarm bells literally began to ring – the old tower stood dangerously close to the edge of the cliff, where the sea is gradually eroding the landscape year after year.

The citizens' association therefore had it moved to the southeastern part of the cemetery and at the same time assumed responsibility for its maintenance and preservation.

"We are grateful for the support the project has received. We have been through many stages to realize the project, and everywhere we have encountered great responsiveness and goodwill—not least, the Lyngby Church parish council has been a great help," says Søren Bangsø.

Before the renovation began, the stack's construction was in very poor condition and the ringing functions were out of order. Therefore, a detailed project was drawn up in collaboration with Bundgaard’s Tømrer og Snedker ApS and Dansk Kirkeklokketeknik A/S. The result is a new, functional bell with modern bearings – and a tower in a solid and respectful historical design.

"It has been exciting to be involved in realizing this project, and now we have a landmark that will be around for many years to come," says Søren Bangsø, a former architect.

Inauguration with sound and newly established bell ringers
The new bell tower was officially put into use during the inauguration, where many people gathered to celebrate the day.

"We think we put together a really nice program, including an inaugural speech by parish priest Gitte Lykke, the performance of a new bell song (ed.: ballad) by the local musician, and entertainment by the Brønderslev Harmony Orchestra," says Søren Bangsø.

A particular highlight was the presentation of the newly established Nr. Lyngby Klokkelaug, which consists of three local "bell ringers." In future, they will ring the bell in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs, and this may well end up being an event that attracts attention.

"The members of the bell ringing association have been equipped with hats and capes, which they wear when they ring the bell," says Søren Bangsø.

Funding for the renovation project comes from the A.P. Møller Foundation, Sparekassen Danmark Fonden Vendsyssel, Hjørring Municipality (matching funds), Nord Energi Fonden, Fonden Sol og Strand Margit og Kjeld, Super Brugsen Løkken, and Lions Løkken.