Handbell's For All
Sunday 29 April 2012
31 handbell ringers - the largest of
these events to date!
A plain hunt group; 4 in hand tunes; James Kirkcaldy ringing
Minimus
The fourth annual Guild of Devonshire
Ringers handbell day took place once again at Mischa Thompson’s
in Okehampton, but this time a little earlier in the year, on
29th April, while torrential rain battered down outside. The
dining room, lounge and conservatory were all in constant use
for handbell sessions throughout a long afternoon, the
‘experienced’ ringers working tirelessly to give 23 people a go
at Plain Hunt or Plain Bob. Yorkshire Major was also practiced,
and there was a 10-bell session for the helpers to ring
something together.
But these days are about so much more…
Firstly there’s the lunch of pasties and all the trimmings, with
tea and cake to sustain later. Then there’s tune ringing to join
in with, and an impressive demonstration of four-in-hand tunes;
miscellaneous sets of handbells to try, and dummy handbells with
Abel on a laptop. Of course there’s the Denmisch campanile of 10
Saxilby ‘bells’ which was used for several beginners’ handling
lessons, some double handling, rung as a traditional ring for
call changes and methods; and by two individuals with the
computer in a Surprise Royal face-off. But over it all and
throughout the day there’s the enjoyment of meeting people and
sharing skills.
Simulated handbells; young learners; using the Denmisch ring
But back to the handbells, and the
future: the increasing popularity of the day meant that the less
experienced only got one 30 minute slot, and the more
experienced had to work very hard. This raises the question of
what to do next year: maintain an open-to-all fun and contact
day, or achieve more training by limiting numbers and having
more than one day. I await feedback from those who came.
A very big thank you to Mischa for
accommodating us all, and to everyone who gave their time to
help others. It was a super day.
Lynne Hughes.
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