Handbell Ringing
Our group rings handbells at East Court Old Courthouse every Thursday
afternoon from 12.30 to 2.30. We enjoy playing many different kinds of
music from folk songs, music hall, hymns, classical and shows and we also
do change ringing which sounds like the peals heard from Church towers.
This can be undertaken for weddings as requested.
The music we practise each week is performed as part of a concert, or as
a presentation taken to a number of different groups. At Christmas we
play carols in shops and garden centres as well. All these shows raise money for
a charity which has been the Air Ambulance the last 2 years. This year we are raising funds for St Catherine's Hospice.
Some of us enjoy playing our bells at rallies where we ring with other
teams. Most of these are for members in South East England. One of the
highlights each year is playing in Guildford Cathedral with up to 200
other musicians, at a special service for handbell ringers.
Some of us also like to attend the national rallies which take place over a weekend and give us opportunities to learn new skills, even steel pans.
This summer we are taking part in the U3A shared learning project on the theme of the Spirit of Sussex. This is held in Brighton University.
You don't have to be able to read music, but of course it helps if you
can. A sense of rhythm is useful, and a sense of humour essential.
Newcomers are always welcomed, to listen and to have a go. It really is
good fun! The autumn term is a particularly good time to start as later
on we start playing for Christmas.
Marilyn Emmett 01342 321093