News

November 1^st 2022

Demonstration and Teaching Session

Alton Handbell Ringers had been contacted by a Staff member at St Georges Hospital to see if we could provide some tuition for them to ring their own bells.  As they had no real knowledge of ringing as a team, but wanted to make use of their bells for staff and patients. they contacted us, after seeing our website, to ask for help.

Seven handbell ringers duly went to St George's and were warmly welcomed and escorted to to one of the wards. We decided to ring their selection of bells.

Wendy gave a short talk about the method of ringing, reading the number method of ringing, how to hold the bells, letting them ring out and damping the bells. Several questions were asked and answered which was rewarding for both parties.

We then played two tunes for them, 'Aura Lee' and 'Good King Wenceslas'.

Now came the time for the bells to be distributed, one each, around the room to staff and patients.  Most were keen to take part. Each of our members looked after one or two people giving instruction as to how to hold the bell and how to make it ring. 

Led by Wendy everyone took part in playing the scale from top to bottom a few times and then from bottom to top. A few chords were played to illustrate the different sounds when several bells are played at the same time.

Now came the time to try some actual tunes. We had taken music for a simple version of 'Bobby Shaftoe', this was well played albeit at a slow pace. A second simple piece 'He's Got The Whole World in His Hands' was also played with the same success. Much enjoyment was had by all. A sense of achievement filled the room.

The session was concluded with us playing 'Mary's Boy Child'

Our attendance was much appreciated and it was a rewarding occasion for all concerned.

Another session is planned in the near future when perhaps we will all be able to play together. Closer to Christmas, December 7^th, we will play Carols and Christmas tunes around some of the wards.

Peter Walker

On Saturday 15th October, fifteen members of Alton Handbell Ringers attended the HRGB joint East Midlands / West Midland rally in Kenilworth. There were about half a dozen teams from across the joint regions and there must have been in the region of a hundred ringers.

This was my first rally as a handbell ringer, so I had no idea of what to expect, but the day went well. We had a massed piece conducted by our own Wendy to start with and then had individual performances from the various groups present, ranging from three people ringing 12 bells between them (four in hand) to our performance as we were the biggest group there. There were some very skilled ringers and all groups produced entertaining pieces.

After a lunch break for our “picnic” (with provided tea, coffee, biscuits and cake throughout the day), we returned to a similar format for the afternoon. Our rendition of Highland Cathedral was a bit grander than the version played in the morning session by a smaller group. I think I prefer ours - it is a fun piece to play, especially when I get my part right.

All in all, an enjoyable day out, although it was a long day due to the distance (and road works).

Friday 2nd September

24th August 2022

I arrived slightly apprehensive as to what lay ahead in the next 3 hours as Sandra Winter is a well known arranger of Handbell music and was invited to, hopefully,  help us to improve our overall performance and give constructive criticism to make our concert performances more enjoyable, both for us as performers and also the audience. Wendy had chosen 4 pieces of music for us to concentrate on for the afternoon.

Firstly we played Meditation on Blaenwern with Wendy conducting. Sandra conducted next and taking small sections of the music in turn, she asked us to listen to each other and to our own bells so that we played at the correct timing and volume so as to improve the overall performance.

Our next piece was Shepherds Hey which is a piece played entirely using mallets to strike the bells. This is quite a fun piece to ring but does tend to get faster as we play it, so Wendy has trouble reining us in or decides to go with us. Sandra suggested we hold our mallets closer to the bells in order to keep better time and also to click mallets together more quietly which really made a difference to the overall effect.

Third on the agenda was You Raise Me Up. This is a beautiful piece of music and Sandra suggested several things to improve the overall performance particularly holding the bells out to let the sound resonate. When we play this piece well it really makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up!

The last piece of the afternoon is quite a new piece for us called Highland Cathedral. We all enjoy playing this piece of music which involves several techniques, singing bells, chimes and mallets as well as lots of bell changes. We played this really well.

This afternoon was completed by tea and cakes, and I hope everyone, like me, enjoyed the experience and gained from Sandra's expertise.

Josie Bettany

8th August 2022

On a very warm afternoon in August seven of us made our way to Derby for a 12 bell concert at Brookfields Nursing Home. To be precise we were 12 bells and 1 pair of chimes rung by Becky who, having not long joined us, has not rung a 12 bell concert before and very well she performed too. Her input on chimes added another dimension to our ringing.

A canopy had been erected outside but it was decided it was far too hot so we set up inside in a very pleasant room which was gradually filling up with residents. Some in wheelchairs, some more mobile ….just a minute has anyone seen Mavis?

First things first…. Who would like a glass of Pimm's? (one lady demanded wine!) It was kindly offered to us but we thought it better to decline as we can get easily confused even without the influence of alcohol! Was everyone ready? Mavis has made her appearance and is taking her seat, so the concert can begin.

A wide range of music was played from The Elton Boating Song, Champagne Charlie to Rule Britannia. Many of the audience hummed along and Singing in the Rain had a very good response, as did Rule Britannia. When Wendy announced the we were going to play Pomp and Circumstance one gentleman asked “which number?” Wendy was taken by surprise as she hadn’t been asked this before and had to admit that she didn’t know.

Sadly the gentleman couldn’t remember either. We must make sure we find out in case we are asked again.

Much interest was taken by the audience and many questions were asked especially about the hand chimes. Several had a go at ringing. Everyone said how much they had enjoyed the afternoon and we have been asked to perform again nearer to Christmas.

It was rather warm inside and not much different outside but it was very pleasant to sit under the canopy, enjoy a cold drink and relax a little before driving home.

We were pleased with our performance and look forward to returning later in the year.

Sue Robins