Tinker Jones, lived all alone
A travelling salesman, as he was known
A burly man with a cheery smile
Would stay in small towns for a short while
He didn’t like to stay too long
In case he upset folks and things went wrong.

But one small town on the North West side
Was a town where Tinker would often reside
People there, would come to their doors
When they heard him shout out, with a loud voice
And the folks would stop doing their chores
Then come out to see him, leaving open their doors.

He was always greeted well when he came
For He was an honest man, and each day he would pray
Then he would climb upon his wagon, this honest man
Selling his wares - shiny brass pans
Children liked him, for he told them jokes
And made them all laugh - he was a funny bloke.

The children told Tinker that they needed a hand,
For the church needed a bell to ring round the land
People were missing - not going to church.
For they said they didn’t know the time
Because the church clock did no longer chime
So, they forgot the day, and they forgot the time

“Oh,” said Tinker, looking a little dismayed
“So you are asking for help, glad I’m in town today!”
“Yes, I’d like to help, come again tomorrow to me,
After your school and after your tea?”
“Of course,” they said excitedly, and smiled at him
“It’s a secret” said little, smiley, Sonny Jim

The children went into their families sheds
Hunting for brass – candlestick holders or pots
These will do nicely - how many have we got?
Tinker was waiting when the kids brought their wares.
He was thrilled with surprises – it showed that they cared.
We’ll make a fire and concrete mould and throw in those pots
Leave none of them out, throw in the lot.

Then it all got hot in the kiln which he made
“It won’t take much time to be baked just like a cake”
When the bell was ready, they took it out from the kiln
Allowed it to cool as burnt fingers would make them yell
Then Tinker, with hammer, he chiselled and chiselled
And away went the mould and out came the bell.

Well, the new bell looked wonderful - a site to behold
And once it was polished it sparkled like gold.
Tinker Jones and the children then began to pray
Then Tinker and children late Saturday,
Placed the bell in its place at the top of the church tower
And everything went exceedingly well - it took just one hour.

Next day it was Sunday, the bell began to chime
Folks were all happy – and all came on time
The local folks thanked Tinker and he went on his way
I wonder if the bell still chimes today?
And this little story could be for our times today
The bell chimes for all and God’s on our side
Leading with His loving hands, he wants to be our Help and our Guide.