ALTON HANDBELL Ringers had four new ringers join at the beginning of 2022 to make a team of 16 members. We leased a two-octave set of handbells from HRGB last year, which has enabled us to double up on some parts to help with training and provide extra volume if needed. We enjoyed three full team concerts in November and December2022.The final one in Alton village hall was our fundraiser for the local hospice when we raised£775.The evening included Peter Walker, one of our team, leading a rousing sing-along of the Twelve Days of Christmas, on his accordion. We were even asked for an encore of Frosty the Snowman, at the end of the concert! A twelve-bell team rang at Chatsworth House on two occasions over Christmas. We were under a gazebo in the courtyard, donning Christmas hats and being full of Christmas cheer in spite of the cold! We...

A team of seven ringers plus Wendy, our Leader, visited Brookfields nursing home, Derby. We commenced with some old songs and were really pleased to hear the audience singing or humming along to Loves Old Sweet Song, Puff the Magic Dragon. Then we played a selection of hymns and ended our bell ringing with what we call our last night at the proms selection, which includes Trumpet Voluntary and Rule Britannia. These always seem very popular and make a resounding end to our performance.

After chatting with the residents we were very kindly served tea and biscuits which made a lovely end to the afternoon.

Beryl

Thank you to those who rang at Ellastone. It went very well. We rang under a gazebo on the terrace and the sound of the bells carried across the garden. Fortunately it stayed dry.

Wendy Walters