Handbell Day
Sunday 3 July 2011

The annual Guild handbell day on 3rd July was kindly hosted once again by Mischa Thompson in Okehampton. Here we had several places to ring, good food, and of course the 10-‘bell’ Denmisch simulator for breaks between handbells, with advice from designer David Horrocks.

Alena, Tim & James; Grandsire Cinques!; Mischa & Ian on simulated handbells

 

Over thirty people turned out on this hot July day, some twenty-three of them ringing handbells at some point. Ian Hayes had yet another curiosity in addition to his usual hemispherical bells: micro handbells hardly bigger than thimbles, with a shrill clear tone. Several plain hunt or plain bob groups ran simultaneously, but there was also time for a course of Kent Major on beautifully toned old bells out in the garden, and a go at Grandsire Cinques. A small tune group was also in evidence, and a pair of handbell simulators linked to a computer could be tried.

Owen ringing plain hunt and Charlotte ringing rounds

Young ringer Owen picked up plain hunt very quickly and struck it well, his younger brother William having a go too. Six year old Charlotte only rang rounds on handbells, but stole the show in the garage by ringing a simulator bell unaided. However most of the ringers were somewhat longer in the tooth.

Thanks must go to Mischa and her kitchen helpers, and to all who gave their time to bring on the handbell skills of others.

Lynne Hughes.

 

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