Reverberations Autumn Winter 2021 Colour Final COMPLETE SMALL

Fancy a ring? We’ll give you a bell. Contact HRGB. Reverberations Autumn / Winter 2021 Reverberations Autumn/Winter 2021

Reverberations 2 Autumn/Winter 2021

Journal of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain Autumn/Winter 2021 Editor: Amanda Jones [email protected] www.hrgb.org.uk www.handbells.org.uk Copy date for next issue: 10th January 2022 HANDBELL RINGERS OF GREAT BRITAIN Founded at Ashton-under-Lyne Grammar School on 7th October 1967 Founding Chairman: William Hartley Registered Charity No: 298945 (England) SCO38918 (Scotland) ISSN: 0263 452X Vol 54 no 2 The opinions expressed in the pages of this journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of HRGB; and the inclusion of advertisements for services and products is not to be taken as implying endorsement by HRGB © HRGB 2021

Contents Teams & Events Society Pages 2021 A year for Opportunity 34 AGM Minutes 56 A Memory to Treasure 35 Archivist Corner 65 Castleton Primary (YV) 43 Chair 5 EM Region Worldwide Visitors 70 Diary 13 Mike’s Virtual Memories 74 Editor 3 More than a Bell: Musings… 31 HLMs 107 Novel Way to Acquire IT Skills 61 HRGB Accounts 52 Scottish Schools Ring 83 Membership Rates 12 Taunton on ITV 49 Membership Secretary 11 University Training 49 National Officers 108 Virtual Massed Ringing 38 NEC Regional Representatives 112 YouTubers of the Third Age 77 New Teams 12 MiscBELLaneous Other National Positions 109 Regional Officers 110 Advertisers Index and Rates 98 Regional Roundup 99 AKR in Northumberland 59 Secretary 9 Brain Teaser Answers 73 Small Ads 97 Brain Teaser 72 Symposium 2022 10 Cambridgeshire Bell (YV) 48 Too Many Copies? 73 Handbells at Royal Variety 17 Wanted — HRGB Secretary 22 Healthy Ringing 80 WHMF Standing Committee 108 HRGB Sales Discounts 96 WHMF 18 Jokes (Answers) (YV) 47 Young Vibrations 41 Jokes (YV) 42 Handbell PeopleMystery of Chinese Bellringers 87 New Moon Competition Winner 15 28 Reverberations Online 58 Obituaries: 21 Terra Nova Bell (YV) 46 Gillian Shillito 30 Wedding Bells or Rough Music 63 Hazel Brady 29 Who was Nellie Norway? 68 Janet Elliot 25 Word Quiz (YV) 45 Maggie O’Hagan 27 Word Quiz Answers (YV) 48 Mike Lashford 24 You Rang, Sir? (Answers) 106 Peggy Sellars You Rang, Sir? (Quiz) 94 Sue Fraser Cover pictures: Judy Gees and the Minster Minis Handbell Team, June 2021. Jordanhill Parish Church Handbell Ringers share sunny, summer smiles. Reverberations 24 Autumn/Winter 2021

Editor Welcome everyone to this DVD transfer first and will next Autumn/Winter edition involve the cataloguing of the of Reverberations! contents of over 31 different Thank you for your continued films. Please see the Archivist support and for all of the article for the exciting progress articles; this magazine is for you in the audio file transfer which and wouldn’t be here without originated mainly from delicate you. Like most, lockdown has reel-to-reel tapes. been a difficult time for me but I have been plodding along News from the Whitechapel scanning all of the old copies of Reverberations so they are all in Foundry can be seen in these digital form, watch this space. Having started scanning from articles: https:// 1967 I am enjoying seeing all of the familiar names from younger www.abfineart.com/instagram years! https://www.theguardian.com/ Talking of which, we have a contribution from a 30- news/2021/may/11/whitechapel- something member on how and why she rings. Time and time bell-foundry-battle-save-britains again I hear that younger people want to join in with pastimes -oldest-factory and hobbies but cannot find any spare time. We do live in a Hopefully those of you who have pressurised, online world aside enjoyed the National online from life responsibilities. webinars and Zoom events have found these valuable. I Reverberations is now available particularly enjoyed seeing online in the Member’s Area of everyone in the first-ever online the website, see the short article massed ringing and Malcolm in this edition for options. Wilson ran the first-ever Schools Ring in Scotland. Another project I have been enjoying is transferring our old VHS videos to digital format. This took me into the realms of Reverberations 53 Autumn/Winter 2021

The inspirational artist Grayson the story behind the pyjamas. We attended Perry is casting a bell in the Cirencester National Rally as a team and Judith Reynolds, who Pangolin foundry in was organising the Sunday morning service, asked if we Gloucestershire; do look out for would ring a peal as people entered the chapel for the this: https:// service at 8am — so we would need to start about 7.45am. www.theartnewspaper.com/ When I put this to the team, one of the girls said “Crumbs I’ll news/grayson-perry-is-casting-a still be in my pyjamas then”. So when I got back to Judith I told -bell-to-mark-end-of-covid-19- her we could do it, but don’t be surprised if we’re still in our pandemic pyjamas, to which Judith replied, “Oh that would be Down Under, the Belleplates in funny, do you think they really would?” The rest is history” A Tasmania are being used in photo can be seen in this edition, can you find it? yoga and meditation retreats. Of course, our new online world Melissa Howden says: means that pyjamas have been even more popular on screens. “Participants absolutely love In another role I enjoyed them. First of all they are travelling to Lundy Island regularly and discovered captivated by the beauty of the through a recent webinar that there are handbells available to sound; secondly they become borrow if anyone goes on a trip. deeply invested in correctly Excitingly the National Rally is approaching and fingers crossed placing their own notes in the all goes smoothly this time. I look forward to seeing many of whole. They comment on the you there and in the meantime please enjoy this edition. mental focus and concentration Amanda Jones required being so good for their brains; and the overall sense of fun and achievement of learning something new. Over the years I have developed a way of making the playing happen almost by chance, as it were, effortlessly. And for one-off sessions, I keep the notation very simple, consisting of chordal accompaniment to accompany singing.” Finally I learned about ringing in pyjamas from the front cover of the Autumn/Winter 2009 edition of Reverberations: Paul Scoble says “It has just occurred to me that you may not have known Reverberations 46 Autumn/Winter 2021

Notes from the Chair Dear Handbell Ringer, to Salvete! Especially those who have taken up handbell ringing during the pandemic. (For more Latin, see later.) There is a frisson of excitement in the air. In fact there have been several frissons recently — Wembley, Wimbledon, warmer weather (I’m writing this in the middle of July) — but this one has nothing to do with the weather… There is a real possibility that we may be able to ring handbells together in person again soon! I hope that by the time you read this that will already have happened! knowledge and for this reason the details may change as they Making events as safe as change. I do realise that possible changing policy can be confusing, but we must make Of course that does not mean sure that any advice about that the Covid virus has gone keeping members safe is based away — far from it! So please do on up-to-date information. So, be careful even as you enjoy please continue to check our getting together once more! website for updates on making Please read the guidance that is events as safe as possible. now on the HRGB website. Our new policy for ensuring that Sparkling! HRGB-organised events are as safe as possible will also be on When life gives me elderflowers the website soon. Please be (in abundance at the moment) I assured that in drawing up this make elderflower champagne policy we will have taken careful (leaving some of the flowers to account of not only government mature, of course, so that later guidelines but also medical in the year — probably when you Reverberations 75 Autumn/Winter 2021

are reading this — I can make that we are often forced to take elderberry wine!). HRGB’s in everyday life, or often choose elderflower frizzante this year to make when we express has been our programme of opinions on social media. (You webinars — online seminars and can, of course, tell me whether ringing activities — which so you like this idea!) many of you have enjoyed. Thanks to those who have Our AGM attended one or more of these events, and for your kind Thanks to those of you (more comments after each one. I must than a quorum!) who attended, say a big thank you again to via Zoom, the AGM on 10th Laura Buist, Aidan Fozard, John April, and a big thank you to Willis and Malcolm Wilson — the John Tipping who drafted, for the small group who have organised NEC, the regulations by which these events — for the great job the AGM could be held in this they have done, and also invite way. Thanks, too, to all the any of you who would like to officers who agreed to offer become part of that group to let themselves for re-election. But us know. — Then we can have do read on to the bottom of this more information about what note for some important members want. (You can contact information. me at: [email protected]) Regional Committees Our current plan is to have more massed ringing in September, a I want to say thank you to all session on arranging music for members of all Regional handbells in October and, in Committees who have continued November, possibly a session on to meet and plan during the past musical phrasing, though this year. Rallies, mini-rallies, might change. On a personal regional team practices and note, I think that musicians who AGMs have been held and new think carefully about how to ideas for getting together have express their feelings in music, been tried and shared. Thanks to just like writers who think all who have planned, organised carefully about how to express and led these events which have nuance in their writing, are a enabled members to meet and to wonderfully positive force play bells. helping us as a society to see beyond the black/white/like/ The East Midlands, ambitiously, dislike simple binary decisions invited overseas handbell ringers to attend their recent event, via Zoom and their members Reverberations 68 Autumn/Winter 2021

enjoyed chatting with Kevin Ko Committee is “Promoting World in Hong Kong, Damien Lim in Singapore and Tim Waugh and Peace Through Music”. There is Michael Glasgow in the USA. Well done, East Midlands Region, no doubt that we can learn and for demonstrating to ringers overseas that Covid has not understand more about people dampened our spirits here in Britain! who live in other countries if we make music together. That’s one reason why I am so impressed by the East Midlands Region’s invitation to ringers from other What has the NEC been countries. I hope that despite doing? Covid many of you are thinking about attending the The NEC has also continued to International Handbell meet and tackle some big Symposium next August in issues: arrangements for Nashville, Tennessee — a well- starting to ring again, planning known tourist centre for those future events, continuing to interested in food, history and, make our IT systems and of course, music! And if next website even better, year is not a possibility, please safeguarding training; it’s a long do keep the first week of August list and an important one. Many in 2026 free! That will be the thanks to all Regional next time an International Representatives and National Handbell Symposium is held in and Regional Officers who lead Britain. We are currently these developments! investigating venues (big venues get booked up many years At a recent meeting, we held a ahead) and, this summer, will be minute’s silence in memory of those members who are no exploring whether the longer with us, in some cases because of Covid. Our sincere conference and event centres in condolences go to all family members and friends, and to the a wide range of cities will be members themselves we would say “Valete, et gratias vobis able to meet our needs. Hold the agimus” — “Goodbye, and our thanks to you all”. date, and watch this space! (And do get in touch if you would like to help in any way with this event!) As some of you know, one of the However, two people who will not still be in their current roles vision statements of the in 2026 are Christine Reid (our wonderful Honorary Secretary) International Handbell who has indicated clearly that Reverberations 97 Autumn/Winter 2021

she intends to stand down from for both roles. If you would like that role at our next AGM (April to find out more about either 2022), and me. I intend to stand role, don’t hesitate to get in down at the following AGM — in touch with either Christine or me 2023. and we can tell you all about it (et fama bona est!). If you are a person who likes handbells (I can’t think that Happy (and safe) ringing! anyone reading this does not!), can write, and is well-organised Tim Willetts you have the basic requirements Emails to the Editor Do you have something to say? Please write to the Editor and I will be able to express your view. I’d love to hear what you think! Do drop me an email… Amanda Jones [email protected] Reverberations 180 Autumn/Winter 2021

Secretary THE SECRETARY’S NOTICEBOARD Please contact me about any of the notices here on the board Christine Reid: Tel: 0141 334 4412 email: [email protected] NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the HANDBELL RINGERS OF GREAT BRITAIN will be held on Saturday 9th April 2022 at the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria, Sheffield S4 7YE Nominations for Officers of the Society and notice of formal motions under Rule 41 for inclusion on the Agenda must reach the Secretary no later than 31st January 2022. Reverberations 191 Autumn/Winter 2021

20th International Wanted — HRGB Handbell National Secretary Symposium As announced at the AGM, 1st-6th August 2022 after eight years as National Secretary, I have decided not Nashville, USA to stand for re-election at our next AGM. Would you like to Following the call for music in follow me in this role? You need a knowledge of HRGB, the last issue of be able to set up meetings and take minutes. You are Reverberations, nine also the main point of contact for handbell matters — these compositions were submitted. days usually via email. It is an interesting role and you These were ‘blind’ reviewed will form part of the team taking HRGB forward as we by a panel of judges. We are get back to ringing. If you would like to know more, delighted that the HRGB piece please get in touch. for the massed ringing will be Robin Benton’s Celebration for Bells which will be conducted in Nashville by Robin. Thank you to everyone who submitted music and to the judges. Information on the event can be found on the Symposium website — www. internationalhandbells.org and also from myself. You must let me know if it is your intention to attend the Symposium as you will be unable to complete the registration process without a code. It is anticipated that all Symposium fees will also have to be paid via HRGB. Reverberations 102 Autumn/Winter 2021

Membership What a very strange time we have all been going through. With the vaccination programme going on at a pace, let’s hope that we will soon be able to get back to meeting and ringing together. I have missed it very much. Membership of HRGB has wish to do this yourself, I will suffered quite a bit this year as sadly quite a few ringers are no still be looking after the longer with us. We have also had some members choosing not to membership and can do it for renew this year due to the pandemic which has reduced our you. The new system also has numbers. On a more positive note, however, we have had a links to the HRGB website and few late renewals and even some new teams and new members, you will be able to enrol in which is very encouraging as we go forward. events straight from the site. It As you know, a lot of work has has brought HRGB more up to been going on with the new membership database and date and is compliant with the website and I would like to thank John Willis for all his help and General Data Protection guidance on this. The new system is now well up and Regulations (GDPR). If you running and means that you are able to see the details we hold haven’t already been on the site, for you and are able to update them yourselves, eg when you have a look. It is well worth it, move house or change email address. Don’t worry if you do just go to www.hrgb.org.uk not have a computer or do not Looking forward to the future when we will be back doing what we all love, bell ringing. Hope to see you all soon. Diane Holt Membership Secretary Reverberations 131 Autumn/Winter 2021

Newly Registered Teams 1712/SE WHITCHURCH WALLOPERS Correspondent: Mr Peter Ferguson 1713/EM MINSTER MINIS Correspondent: Youth Team, c/o Mrs Judy Gees 1714/EM ASHBY SCHOOL HANDBELL CHOIR Correspondent: Youth Team, c/o Ms Nicola Wright 1715/SW HARBOUR BELLS Correspondent: Ms Jo Toffolo HRGB Membership Rates Annual Members (Adult) £12.00 (50% discount for new adult members registering after 1st July) Junior Members Free of Charge Overseas Members £20.00 Email Address Plea Please do send your updated email addresses to the Membership Secretary and to your Regional Secretaries. This enables them to send you up-to-date information and avoids using extra paper resources. You can then learn about all of the exciting updates regarding handbell ringing nationally, regionally and locally easily. And it will enable you to book online for events. Reverberations 124 Autumn/Winter 2021

Dates for Your Diary 2021-23 2021 September 11 WM Areley Kings Rally 11 Online National Virtual Massed Ring — Christmas 18 SE Invitation Rally, Meonstoke October 2 NAT NEC on Zoom 10 EAR Preparing for Christmas Rally, Horringer 16 WM/SW Joint WM/SW Rally, Churchdown, Gloucester 16 NE Autumn Rally, Ecclesfield 23 Online Webinar — Arranging Music 30 SE AGM, Sanderstead November 6 NE Autumn Ring, Bingley 27 WM David Williams Memorial Workshop TBC 2022 January 29 NAT NEC on Zoom February 25-27 WM Bells beyond Belief, Pear Tree Hotel, Worcester March 19 EAR AGM and Rally, Elmswell 26 NAT NEC on Zoom April 8-10 NE/NAT National Rally and AGM, Sheffield 23 SE East Kent Invitation Rally, Headcorn May 7 EA EART Concert Venue TBC 14 NE Spring Rally & AGM, Grassington 21 EA EART Concert Venue TBC June 4 EA EART Concert Venue TBC 11 SE Handbell Festival Service, Guildford Cathedral TBC Reverberations 153 Autumn/Winter 2021

June 18 EA EART Concert Venue TBC 19 WM Sandra Winter Workshop, Hanley Swan 25 NAT NEC on Zoom August 2-6 INT 20th International Symposium, Nashville, USA October 1 NAT NEC on Zoom 26-29 NAT UK Bronze 2023 February NAT NEC — Kingsbury April 14-16 SC/NAT National Rally, Stirling Court Hotel, June University of Stirling NAT NEC — Kingsbury August NAT NRRW September NAT NEC — Kingsbury EXCITING NEW HANDBELL MUSIC! Larry and Carla Sue Larry and Carla Sue have lots of handbell arrangements, including a huge selection of titles for 8, 12, and 16 bells, and all the way up to 5-7 octaves. Our catalogue contains hymns, Christmas music, classical selections, Irish jigs, original works, and more. Visit www.choraegus.com to buy our music online. Once your purchase is complete, your purchase confirmation contains links that enable you to download and print your music so you can start practising immediately. WeꞋre adding to our catalogue every week, so there’s always new music. If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected] Reverberations 146 Autumn/Winter 2021

Competition Winner T hank you to New Moon castle and more? Insurance for the competition. (Featured in During lockdown, our group, the last two editions — Ed.) based in County Durham, began I was very surprised and pleased to hear that I had won the meeting regularly on Zoom to competition. Our lockdown Zoom sessions and workshops seem a socialize and create our long time ago. constitution. In January we were The project was completed and a score created. Sadly we haven’t contacted by Colin Robson been able to meet and try it out. Hardwick Park hope to use the (Community Cultural music in the autumn as part of the Heritage Open Days. A Development Co-ordinator for recording of the piece may be lodged on the Gothic Tower, and Durham County Council), to see played to visitors there. It may also be used in the Visitors’ if we would be interested in Centre. Hopefully it will form part of an Arts Festival held in taking part in a project based at the park next March where all the projects created with Hardwick Country Park near our Hardwick Park as an inspiration, will be showcased. village. An Artist in Residence Sedgefield Handbell Ringers (Ed Carter), had been appointed Get Creative to work with local groups. We Who would have thought that from our own homes, without were happy to agree. any sheet of music to read and at a physical distance from the The park is open to the public rest of the team, that we could now, but was originally a private make our bells resemble a horse 18th century pleasure garden galloping across a field, a attached to a large house (now a cascade, a lake vista, a fairytale hotel). The grounds comprise a large lake, a serpentine, walks, and a variety of follies, many of which have been restored since 1994. We planned to use a poem written about the park in 1803, as a basis for our musical interpretation of the pleasure garden. Ed is a renowned composer of musical installations and projects both here and abroad. He and Colin are liaising with other creative groups in the area, hoping the work will Reverberations 175 Autumn/Winter 2021

culminate in a festival at the around the park followed by 18th park next spring. century visitors. We decided to Firstly we reduced the long and detailed poem to a more retain this pattern, hoping to manageable length. We recorded ourselves reading parts of the illustrate the atmosphere of the poem on our phones and sent them to Ed. They were collected buildings and vistas as we on his Pro Tools software. Ed did preliminary work in the restored progressed. Bells were temple building, using a technique called convolution distributed to our homes (with reverb effect. He popped a balloon in the temple interior Covid safe restrictions adhered and captured the “impulse response” which indicated the to). acoustic qualities of sound made there. This was loaded on to We explored the range, variety software. Using this technology of sounds, and effects made by we could play bells or speak at the bells and sent many home and be made to sound as recordings to Ed. After if we were all in the temple. discussions, Ed began to put these together, arranging them The poem follows a circuit so that, for example, our short notes could be put into the rhythm of a galloping horse with jingling saddlery. The poem and sounds were combined as we progressed. We had a broad outline of ideas which we recorded, discussed Reverberations 168 Autumn/Winter 2021

and refined. From these Ed has Sibelius program to translate the had the difficult job of creating a composition into a printed score. composition which sounds In the meantime, we are increasingly magical and very delighted to make sounds for atmospheric. We have every such an interesting and unusual confidence that the finished project. product will be amazing. J.Scott There is a possibility of playing some of the work ‘live’ next Huge Congratulations to the year, or sooner, using the team — Ed Handbells at Royal Variety Did you know that a the bells regularly at Brinsworth handbell ringer had to amuse the other old artists. appeared on stage as Indeed, it is said that sometimes part of a Royal Variety he has played the handbells too Performance? much for their liking. On 29th October 1939, King George V and Queen Mary attended the London Palladium and one of the featured acts was an appearance by residents of Brinsworth House, the Home for Aged Artists in Twickenham. Among them was Frank Bertram, aged 94. Old Frank was not dazzled by appearing in front of the King and Queen, because he had already played The Bells of Aberdovey for Queen Victoria at Osborne, and he “had brought tears to her eyes by the sweet sorrow of his music”. Frank, who claimed to be the “original handbell ringer\" played Reverberations 197 Autumn/Winter 2021

WHMF As you might surmise, the May. I have found Malcolm’s tips call for the services of the very useful indeed, especially WHMF over the past 18 the clapping and rhythm games months have been somewhat to keep the rehearsal light- limited. There have been no hearted and fun. applications for loans for handbell overhaul or purchase of I found some useful video clips new instruments and the bells on YouTube by Brenda Austin of that we currently lease have lain Hope Publishing in the USA. idle, both those that are already These clips are about two with teams and those that are minutes long and show how to available for lease. However just ring bells in a circular motion, as we are approaching a return how to stand correctly, how to to normal activities, I received damp and various techniques an application for lease of two like martellato and malleting. octaves of handbells for The The students enjoyed these clips Minster School in Southwell. This very much as Brenda includes came via Judy Gees and she has children in some of the videos to begun a handbell group from demonstrate the techniques. scratch in the school. The following is a progress report she I cannot pretend that the has provided which gives an handbells group has found things insight into a process for setting easy, as I have some very young up a new youth team. members in year 3 (aged 7) who have only just started to read “The team was launched on 9th music. However, I am June and meets every surrounded by music teachers in Wednesday afternoon for an school who have given me some hour. We are using the useful pointers including getting Woodroyd Bells, very kindly the children to clap when their leased to the school through the note is due to be played and also William Hartley Memorial Fund. to record the pieces we are playing. I have been taking the I asked a pianist at school to rehearsals and have followed record the pieces, and next week we will try to play along to the Malcolm Wilson’s ideas from the music. webinar about teaching handbells in schools on 15th Reverberations 1280 Autumn/Winter 2021

My problem with the group is Thank you so much to the that I have some children who standing committee of the WHMF are Grade 5 theory students and for giving the students at The some who can barely pick out a Minster School the opportunity G6 when they see it in the to learn to ring handbells.” music! We have agreed to help each other and that the older Well done, Judy! students will coach the younger year 3 and year 4 children. Alan Hartley Patron, WHMF I am going to introduce a five minute break after thirty minutes with juice and biscuits and will of course be mindful of sticky fingers and the bells and will make sure hands are washed carefully. Judy Gees and the Minster Minis Handbell Team, June 2021 Reverberations 2119 Autumn/Winter 2021

The William Hartley Memorial Fund The HRGB fund with the sole purpose of furthering the art of handbell tune ringing  Do your handbells need renovating or augmenting? Perhaps a loan from the WHMF would be helpful.  Have you just acquired or found a set of handbells (or know someone who has)?  Would you like to know how to ring them or where to get suitable music? The WHMF may be able to help by paying the travelling expenses of an instructor.  Have you always wanted to organise a public concert of handbell ringing (to show what it's all about and really like) but have never dared as it might make a loss? The WHMF may be able to help with such a venture.  Have you got some brilliant idea to further the cause of tune ringing on handbells but lack capital? The WHMF may be able to assist.  Is your team a thriving one? Then please help the WHMF build up its funds (you can become a Friend for an annual donation of £10 or more).  Existing Friends of WHMF — Have you paid for the current year? The National Treasurer would be pleased to hear from you! The WHMF Standing Committee meets on an ad hoc basis so requests for help can be submitted at any time. Write to the Patron, Alan Hartley, with details of your requirements. ALAN J HARTLEY 23 Little Green, Elmswell, Bury St Edmunds, IP30 9FB tel: 01359 244545 email: [email protected] Reverberations 202 Autumn/Winter 2021

Obituary — Hazel Bradey 20th March 1946 - 24th March 2021 I t is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Hazel Bradey, Musical Director of Ecclesfield Handbell Ringers for over 40 years. From a team whose members aren’t usually lost for words this is one of the most difficult things we have ever had to report but here goes… Hazel was born and lived in enjoyable day out. Sometimes it Stanington for most of her life, didn’t quite go to plan eg getting but her attachment to Ecclesfield lost (no SatNav then), breaking began in the late 1950’s as a down, some people late for the pupil at Ecclesfield Grammar coach coming home (with School. It was here she was disapproving looks from some introduced to handbell ringing, ringers), some people spending along with Maureen and later the afternoon in the pub with the Molly, by teacher Granville driver (no drink driving regs ‘Ticker’ Mitchell who taught then) (more disapproving looks). ringing as an after-school The rallies were always relaxed activity as well as being social gatherings as well as conductor of the Ecclesfield ringing occasions. village team. As a talented musician, Hazel Ecclesfield Handbell Ringers was very soon promoted to the were at Ashton-under-Lyne and village team and it was not long founder members at the start of after Mr Mitchell’s death in 1977 HRGB. that Hazel took over as conductor and musical director. Memories of early rallies are of hiring a coach filled with ringers, bell baskets etc, friends, relatives, the ‘fan club’, for an Reverberations 231 Autumn/Winter 2021

Ecclesfield would certainly not struck up with Dambusters’ have done half the things we March. Her face was a picture! have done if Hazel had not Which other conductor would stepped in. She was always the have put up with that, and with first to arrive (15 mins early!) such good grace and humour? for any practice, rally, or Even so, Hazel has stuck with us concert. We have been known to and, with her quiet tell her a later start time on stubbornness, made a team of occasions or she would have us. dragged all our equipment to the car single-handed by the time Gratitude doesn’t come close. the rest of the team arrived. We are, by common agreement, not She put in huge amounts of time the easiest of teams to conduct. collating historical records and Bolshie, quarrelsome, awkward, organising an event at the Gatty opinionated, are words that have to celebrate what we thought been used. was Ecclesfield Handbell Ringers 100th birthday — twenty years And let’s not forget the year at late, as it turned out! Grassington when she had Recordings of the handbell team’s music were only insisted we play her favourite completed because she wouldn’t take no for an answer; and as a piece, Grieg’s Morning. perfectionist, she spent many hours with the recording Unbeknown to her we had technicians on the final editing. decided otherwise and even She also managed to get the original record of the village though she conducted in 6/8, we team from the early 70’s digitally remastered and put on CD. But she was also kind and patient with new ringers, teaching music theory and ringing techniques, and welcoming them into the team. The NE region of HRGB was founded in 1977 with Hazel a first committee member. In Reverberations 224 Autumn/Winter 2021

1986 she was elected Chair and continued to serve on the committee until her death. Hazel was by nature an would be feasting and drinking in organiser, a ‘doer’; not loud, The Foresters with other ringers. not pushy but quietly assertive — and persistent. She has In later years, when Paul been there at the heart of became unwell, Hazel would take every rally, regional and him out to parks and galleries, national, for more than forty and would bring him to coffee years — planning venues, mornings at St Mary’s, arranging music, compèring, Ecclesfield to meet with the conducting, even catering. Alzheimer’s support group. She Lists, more lists. Thinking of loved chatting to new people, things others forget. She has making friends everywhere. But also spent many hours helping she always found time for and advising smaller teams. Her handbells. elevation to ‘Life Member’ of HRGB was definitely overdue and Recent years have not been very well deserved. Certainly big easy. Hazel was not always in shoes to fill. good health and getting out was often difficult. But she stayed in There is much, much more to tell touch, coming to practices when but in a lifetime of ringing there she could, keeping a critical eye are far too many events and on the ringing. She also found milestones to list them all. ways to join our weekly Zoom meetings, be it from home, Hazel was married to Paul for hospice or care, during the last twelve months. over fifty years and they had two sons, Mark and Philip. Both Hazel and Paul loved music and for a time played in an accordion band together. They also loved walking. Their wedding anniversary nearly always coincided with the Grassington Rally so celebrations had to include handbell ringing. Paul would take himself off for a long walk while Hazel was doing her stuff in the Town Hall, then there Reverberations 253 Autumn/Winter 2021

Organised to the end, Hazel finding a way forward without had documented exactly the her will be difficult, but to do order of service for her funeral otherwise is not an option. It which included music from would be letting her down. Ecclesfield’s CD — Hayden’s The Heavens are Telling, and Ecclesfield Handbell Ringers of course, Grieg’s Morning. Alas, because of Covid-19 regulations, the team were not able to attend but nevertheless we took three octaves of bells to the crematorium gardens and rang some chimes for her as the cortège arrived. It was the best we could do in the circumstances. Hazel’s input, direction and support will be missed by The Ecclesfield Handbell Ringers more than we can say, and possibly even know yet, and Obituary — Sue Fraser Sue Fraser from the Alton or event we attended. She will Handbell Ringers, be sadly missed by us all. Staffordshire passed away Wendy Walters on 5th May 2021. Sue started handbell ringing in 2013 and was a dedicated member of our team. She would often take the music home to practise the tricky parts on wooden spoons! Sue was team secretary and helped to set up and run our website. With a good sense of humour and great enthusiasm she encouraged us to write for the website about every concert Reverberations 246 Autumn/Winter 2021

Obituary — Mike Lashford Mike Lashford, who has octaves plus some duplicates. died after a long Mike was a keen bass ringer, illness, was one of four and loved having the bottom tower bell ringers at St John octave in our music. Mike also the Baptist church in transcribed much of the team’s Halesowen who formed repertoire into the letter Halesowen Handbell Ringers in notation. 1974. They used a set of bells cast in the mid-nineteenth Mike as conductor was very century by William Blews and wholehearted. Practices included Sons of Birmingham, which time for working on a piece were kept in the church tower. where a player was “just a thou’ The four were taught by Mollie out”. We have vivid memories of Tromans, another tower bell a concert at an old people’s day ringer who was part of a centre where our start had been family team, the Black Country delayed: Mike carried on Handbell Ringers. Initially they conducting despite the arrival of learned to play four-in-hand, and the Ring ‘n’ Ride and the used staff notation written on departure of some of the cards. audience. At our last pre-Covid concerts, at the Black Country After a while, the team decided Living Museum’s traditional to play off the table, and having got to know Gnosall and Kingsbury Handbell Ringers, adopted Gnosall’s method of letter notation for the music, so enabling non-musicians to play. During the 1970s and 80s the team grew in numbers, with Mike as musical director: besides the main team, there was also a youth team, a children’s team and a team of adult learners. The decision was made to purchase our own Whitechapel bells, and we now have five Reverberations 275 Autumn/Winter 2021

Christmas evenings, he between 1988 and 1990. When entertained the team and the John Morgan was unable through audience with a repertoire of ill health to complete the appalling jokes. organisation of the 1990 Mike had other skills that were National Rally at very useful to the team. He was a coach driver in his spare time, Wolverhampton, Mike stepped in and he and Clive Williams often drove the team to events such to finish the job. as the National Rallies at Guildford and York, where the Mike was a keen tower bell team was playing in the evening ringer for over sixty years and concerts. Mike also produced a was very proud that by ringing trailer that for many years was for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee used to transport the team’s he was following in the steps of equipment to concerts. His his great, great uncle who was handcraft skills included being one of the band ringing for able to do minor repairs to the Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee bells. He was an accountant by in 1897. In recent months he profession, so regularly produced was very sad that his illness our accounts for us. However, meant that he no longer had the many a HRGB West Midland breath to climb the tower to Region treasurer must have ring. dreaded his appearance at regional AGMs, as he was known Mike was a committed and loyal to ask questions about the member of our team. However, accounts. no tribute to Mike can be made without also acknowledging the Mike remembered vividly the contribution of his wife Margaret, first HRGB Regional Rally the a non-ringer, who for many team attended, at Randwick, years hosted practices in their Gloucestershire. The team living room and later, their arrived late and had to set up garage, served refreshments at their paste table covered in an practices and concerts, and old curtain in the middle of the provided Mike with endless flasks room. He served on the of tea and packed lunches. Mike committee of the West Midland would have been unable to do region of HRGB, and was chair what he did without her support. Corrie Paxton Reverberations 268 Autumn/Winter 2021

Obituary — Peggy Sellars Peggy Sellars was the founding member of the Bretherton Handbell Ringers which started about 35 years ago, having learned how to ring with St Hybalds Handbell Ringers more than forty years ago. Due to various unforeseen circumstances St Hybalds had to close and Peggy, wishing to continue ringing, bought several handbells, which have been added to throughout the years until we reached our present complement of 54. Unfortunately, a fall in her garden resulted in her breaking Peggy loved being a member of both wrists and put paid to the the group and took part in gardening, but not the ringing, many concerts and other events as she bought wrist supports which involved handbells. She and carried on. also attended many national events and international ones Latterly, frailty meant that she including the Symposium in was unable to stay in her own 1994 in Australia. home any longer and she moved into a local care home, the day The last occasion she attended after her 104th birthday. We was the Christmas Concert at kept in touch, through Heather Ashby Village Hall at the end of Dixon, by phone, cards and 2019. She sat listening and sang letters and were regularly along heartily with the Salvation assured by the home that she Army Band. was fine, until only a few weeks before her death. Peggy was also a great lover of nature and was often to be It has been an honour for us to found sitting or working in her know Peggy and we will garden, sunning herself and remember her as a dear, feisty listening to the birdsong. lady who loved life. We were Reverberations 297 Autumn/Winter 2021

unable to play The Old Rugged Thank you, Peggy. You have Cross at her funeral which we been an inspiration to us, and to had practised at her insistence many other ringers and your for several years, but were able legacy will live long in our team. to ring two tunes on twelve bells as requested by her family. Heather Dixon and Judith Kirk (This second obituary is printed by request — Ed) Obituary — Gillian Shillito 9th August 1929 – eventually at Gillian’s house in 3rd February 2021 Burghclere. My children remember going to her house I t was with great sadness after school and she would give that Newtown and them a jigsaw to do whilst we played our bells. On sunny Burghclere Handbell Ringers afternoons Gillian would set out the tables and bells in her lovely received the news that Gillian garden and sometimes we would have tea and cake afterwards. had passed away on 3rd Gillian had been secretary of a February 2021. private girls’ school and maintained an authoritative air Gillian was a founder member of albeit with a wonderful sense of the ringers and was also a tower humour. She had a great bell ringer and choir member of command of the English the Ascension Church language. Burghclere. As well as being an accomplished I first met Gillian in the mid- ringer, Gillian took on the tasks 1980’s when I joined the of Secretary and Treasurer. Later handbell ringers. We rehearsed in life Gillian moved into in Newtown Village Hall and sheltered accommodation at Headbourne Worthy (about twenty miles away) but continued to drive to weekly rehearsals and to all our concerts. On 11th November 2018 Gillian Reverberations 2380 Autumn/Winter 2021

played her bells (middle C and We have many happy memories D) for the last time at a concert of Gillian and she is missed by held in Burghclere Church. us all. However, Gillian still came to support us until sadly she Jackie Appleford became too ill to travel. Obituary — Maggie O’Hagan 18th January 1947 - 28th March 2021 Maggie was a loyal and valued member of the Kilwhang Ringers for over ten years. She passed away on the 28th March after a battle with cancer. We remember her affectionately taking up her stance with those ‘big bells’ in St Bridget’s Hall where we rehearse. She was the maker of wonderful cakes which once at the Edinburgh Tattoo. fed us regularly, and our She was a Goldsmith and had visitors at our annual coffee her own ‘Silver Works’ where mornings. she fashioned jewellery and was Born in Darlington, Maggie part of NEOS. She also enjoyed trained as a Geography Teacher, sewing, cross-stitch and making but worked mostly in Learning stained glass. Support. She moved to Always one to suggest new Stonehaven where she lived for music for our group to play, thirty-seven years. She became Maggie’s enthusiasm knew no fully involved in the community bounds. We remember her with with many and various interests great fondness. which included membership of She is survived by her husband, the Horizon Group who ‘keep Mike and daughter, Claire, who Stonehaven beautiful’ with were both actively involved in plants and shrubs around our the Kilwhang Family. town; sailing, and audio- Ros Marshall, Kilwhang describing for HM Theatre and Ringers Stonehaven Reverberations 3219 Autumn/Winter 2021

Obituary — Janet Elliot 1945 – 2021 Janet will be remembered for her joy in bell-ringing and the fun Janet was the much-loved and laughter she brought to founder and for many years the practices and concerts. During leader of the Addington Bells, practices she would often break based at Addington Methodist away from musical comments to Church in Croydon. Janet sadly regale with us an amusing passed away in January this anecdote or two — there year. was always much laughter. She devoted much time and effort to Janet started her bell playing the group, even though she was with the Wandle ringers in also a mainstay of many other Sanderstead. She loved playing Church-based groups. the bells and in 2002 decided to start a new group based at her She leaves a legacy of many Church (while also continuing fond memories and a well- with the Wandles). Janet established bell-ringing group personally bought most of who have inherited her love of the handbells, Belleplates, and handbell playing. She will be chimes and taught the group much missed. how to play. She led the group for 15 years, carrying on even Alan Williams after she had a stroke. Unfortunately, further strokes and the onset of Parkinson’s disease forced her to take a backseat in 2017, although she would still often come to practices and join in. Reverberations 302 Autumn/Winter 2021

More Than a Bell: Musings of a 30-Something I t’s 8pm on a Sunday night in even if I have added to my ‘to May. I have a glass of wine do’ list once again. at my side (left over from last night — I don’t normally I have been asked to write from indulge on a Sunday!) and I the point of view of a 30- have just come downstairs from something with a young family putting my two year old and five and a busy life and describe how year old to bed. I balance it all… I will be honest, I don’t always balance anything! They were a bit late tonight as we had Grandad and Grandma I turn up unprepared to over for the day which meant meetings (but I turn up!), I turn dinner was a bit later than up late to rehearsals having normal as we had to wait until taken my daughter to her drama the football had finished… it was class. Recently, I’ve been really the last match of the season you grateful for the mute button on know! Zoom meetings! I’ve walked the dog, cooked the However, the support I receive dinner, chased and cleared up from fellow handbell ringers is after the kids and participated in unending. I enjoy participating a North West committee in the meetings and our meeting. secretary is amazing at giving timely reminders and not so This is a normal day, and to be gentle nudges when required. honest, one of the highlights of Nobody has ever complained the day was the committee when I turn up too late to set up meeting. I got to use my brain for rehearsal or have had a and engage in interesting toddler in tow at events. discussions with people I enjoy spending time with and consider My whole family supports me so to be friends. Due to current that I can perform at concerts circumstances this was done and attend meetings, whether from my laptop at the kitchen looking after the children at table, but largely uninterrupted home or coming along. Just as and I finished the meeting long as it is on the calendar! feeling motivated and positive, My life is no busier than that of other people my age… whether Reverberations 331 Autumn/Winter 2021

with a young family, or a full reason to leave the house and time job, or both! spend time with people I like and with whom I share a common Since having children my life has interest. I can enjoy the music I changed beyond recognition — I don’t get time to play at home only work two days a week, I’ve and, through the committee, I stepped down as Chair of the can help to plan events which we NW Region and I’ve taken a hope people will enjoy. break from our regional bell orchestra. However, I still enjoy It will always be a challenge to bells. I am the Team Leader of attract people around my age to Maghull Parish Handbell Ringers, embark on a new hobby like I was running school handbell handbell ringing, but there are a teams prior to Covid-19 and I fair few of us who were bitten by am a committee member of the the bug at a younger age and NW committee and on the NEC. still manage to fit handbells into our busy lives. I attend as many events as possible, both regional and Handbell ringing has taken me to national. The beauty of being different countries and counties, part of a handbell team, or on a helped me with my confidence handbell committee, is that you and musical knowledge and, are expected to turn up… but most of all, has given me a that’s pretty much it! network of friends. I have a piano; I hardly play it. I I don’t know if I ‘balance’ my have a flute; I honestly don’t life, but I know I get as much know where it is right now. But out of ringing as I put in! once we are able to, I know I will play bells once a week. It is a Beth McCord Reverberations 324 Autumn/Winter 2021

Tintinnabulis performing at 2021’s Palm Sunday service outside St Mary’s Church, Burghill Jordanhill Parish Church Handbell Ringers share sunny, summer smiles Reverberations 3531 Autumn/Winter 2021

2021 — A Year for Opportunity? Looking back to the start of the year, we were well and truly locked down. Dronfield had been put into tier four. Yes, we could still ‘meet’ on Zoom and this allowed virtual attendance at regional events, but ringing as a distributed team wasn’t successful, although two or three of our group had some success with twelve bell music. We tried Ringing Room which added to our versatility. They seemed popular with tower bell gave us the chance to indulge in ringers, but the delays in our music we enjoy playing. We systems got in the way of music don’t have to stick with popular making. We had to wait a little tunes just to please an audience. longer to resume what could be Our repertoire has expanded and described as ‘a practise’. includes more music by Bach, Eventually, restrictions were one of our favourite composers. eased and some practices were We have dipped into the vast possible. We had some success reservoir of the music of ringing under a carport, with the Scarlatti and loved it. We have wind doing the page turns for us explored the music of Giles — but not always at the right Farnaby and the Fitzwilliam time. We have rung in a church Virginal Book where we yard, dodging the showers and discovered some charming late wrapping up against the cold. Renaissance pieces. And we have expanded our range of Eventually we were allowed to music by more modern ‘go inside’ — what luxury. Now, composers. When we come out with talk of no restrictions, we of the restrictions and learn to are looking forward to getting live with the virus, we shall have into our normal practice room. gained something from the experience. The restrictions may have been a hindrance, but they presented Vic Cox, Dronfield Handbell opportunities to make music Ringers (Photo by Philip under difficult conditions and Gregory) Reverberations 346 Autumn/Winter 2021

A Memory to Treasure T he day Grosmont Four–in-Hand Ringers greeted HM The Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, during their Silver Jubilee Year; a memorable day. So sad to learn of the death of His Royal Highness. May he rest in peace after a long life of service and devotion to our Queen and Country. Sheila Parry Thank you to Sheila for https:// sharing this on Facebook. www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/ news/19431930.updated-prince- Continuing with Royalty, Prince charles-rings-changes-st- Charles rang the Changes this brynachs-church-nevern/ — Ed year too at St Brynach’s Church, Nevern: Reverberations 375 Autumn/Winter 2021

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Show Time! Advertisement FOR SALE: Four and a half chromatic octaves of English handbells (Warner) from 19F to 01C. All in good, playable condition; inspected and restored by Whitechapel in 2010. Includes housing in two large boxes (not original). Offers around £12,500. Can be inspected in Sheringham, Norfolk. Contact: sharonhunt15@btinternet. com Tel: 01263 823695 for further information All available from HRGB 379 Autumn/Winter 2021 Sales. See our ad on page 99 Discounts available for more than one copy Reverberations

Virtual Massed Ringing Are you featured here on Up, Making Music with School the national Zoom Massed Age Children, the ‘Delectabel Ringing? We have been Dynamics’ and more workshops treated to a Techniques Tune- will be advertised online soon. Reverberations 3480 Autumn/Winter 2021

Do keep an eye on the website. How many can you spot and what are they? It’s all about connecting with each other and muscle memory See you online soon and therefore the variations of hopefully in-person too. ‘instruments’ can be seen in the pictures. Amanda Jones Reverberations 4319 Autumn/Winter 2021

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Young Vibrations Editor: Valerie Boon email: [email protected] or [email protected] Hello Everyone, In this edition we have an article from Castletown Primary School, two pieces from years ago, which I thought you might find interesting, some jokes and a quiz. Well, ringing has been ‘on hold' for most of us this year so far (July!), but by the time you read this, things might have changed for the better — Let's hope so! I really hope there are more things for you all to write about for the next edition! The date to let me have items is always published in Reverberations. Best wishes to all, Valerie RYoeuvnegrbVeibraratitoionnss 431 Autumn/Winter 2021

Jokes 1. As I walked along the path I saw something with four fingers and one thumb, but it was not flesh, fish, bone or fowl. 2. What can fill a room but takes up no space? 3. No sooner spoken than broken. What is it? 4. He has married many women but has never married. Who is he? 5. If you have it, you want to share it. If you share it, you don't have it. What is it? 6. What kind of coat can be put on only when wet? 7. What do you serve that you can't eat? 8. What goes up and never comes down? 9. What do you throw out when you want to use it but take in when you don't want to use it? 10. You can't keep this until you have given it. 11. Take off my skin, I won't cry, but you will. What am I? 12. What can go up and come down without moving? Answers are further on YRoeuvnegrbVeibraratitoionnss 4442 Autumn/Winter 2021

Castletown Primary School’s Year of Bell Ringing 2020-2021 We are the Primary bells in a zip lock bag, which 5/6 class at meant that no one else could Castletown Primary touch them. School, which is in the far north of Scotland, only five In August 2020, as soon as we miles from the most northerly returned to school, we began point on the UK mainland. playing. Half of our class had Despite all the Covid never rung bells before so we restrictions this year, our started with some easy class bell team has managed ringing from The Handbell to keep on ringing. Every time Handbook by Guy Ratcliffe. we rehearsed, we washed our We also joined in with an hands before and after taking online project organised by out the Belleplates. Each caithnessmusic.com and The player kept their individual Scottish Chamber Orchestra. We played a Promenade One from Pictures at an Exhibition which was especially arranged for us by Miss Watson, our class teacher. By December, we were able to record four festive songs which we shared with the other The photo is of our Belleplates in their Covid-safe wallets! YRoeuvnegrbVeibraratitoionnss 453 Autumn/Winter 2021

children in our school. During the rally, we also Regrettably, we couldn’t have played Cheerful Prelude by a live Christmas concert this Michael Coe live over the year so we shared our music internet to children from via Google Classroom. The Newton Primary (Stirling) and tunes we played were Jingle Shieldhill Primary, in Falkirk. Bells, Good King Wenceslas, We were very proud of our Mary’s Boy Child and Away in performance. During the a Manger. session we also listened to Shieldhill play a song from Unfortunately, due to Titanic. It was part of their lockdown we had to stay at school project and they home from January until played it beautifully. They March 2021 so we didn’t play also had an amazing picture our bells during that time. of the Titanic on their However, we were delighted classroom wall! that Malcolm Wilson decided to organise the first ever We know that this past year completely virtual Scottish has been very difficult for Schools Ring in June. Our bell ringing teams all across school usually takes part in the UK. We feel extremely the Schools Ring online while fortunate to have been able the other groups play to keep playing together together live, in a venue in during this unusual time. We the Central Belt of Scotland. hope the Covid situation This year everyone was improves enough so that online. We played lots of every bell team in the country rhythm games, took part in a can ring together again very notation quiz and attempted soon. to find the titles of Disney Songs written using Emojis. Best Wishes to all, It was tricky but fun! Primary 5/6, Castletown Primary School, Caithness, Highland, Scotland RYoeuvnegrbVeibraratitoionnss 446 Autumn/Winter 2021

Word Quiz T he answers to all the 13. Make a phone call clues are one word 14. Protects skin of many answers. They are all fish words that, as handbell ringers you would have met 15. Move quickly up and down over and over again when ringing. 16. Having an edge able to E.g. A cup shaped metal cut instrument = bell 17. Attach with string 1. The lowest part 18. An occasion or instance 2. Long thin stick 3. Mix a cake vigorously 19. General effect of colour 4. Slightly wet in a picture 20. Three times as much 5. No bumps Answers are further on 6. Wooden hammer 7. Produced by nature 8. Short informal letter 9. Tremble 10. Series of strokes in tennis 11. Copy 12. Take a break YRoeuvnegrbVeibraratitoionnss 475 Autumn/Winter 2021

Terra Nova Bell When going out to give Atkinson, a prominent concerts, member of Scott's demonstrations and expedition who died in 1929 talks about bells I like to not long after his retirement bring in information about from the Royal Navy. It other kinds of bells as a seems probable that the bell contrast and a background to came into the possession of handbells and I like to store away bits of information that some day may come in useful. It is surprising how many bells in the East Anglian Region have an interesting history. Here's one of them. The Terra Nova bell was from Atkinson at Cardiff in 1913 the ship Terra Nova, which when the expedition was paid was the vessel used by R.F. off. Scott on his last polar expedition. The Terra Nova The bell was presented to the continued in use until it sank Institute on Atkinson's off Greenland in 1943 with no behalf in 1952 by his aunt. loss of life. The bell is ten inches high and eight inches wide at the There are only three known mouth and is inscribed with relics of the boat, one of the words S.S. Terra Nova which is the ship's bell, which 1885. The bell is not on was acquired by the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge. The acquisition is attributed to Surgeon Lieutenant Edward Leicester RYoeuvnegrbVeibraratitoionnss 468 Autumn/Winter 2021

general view but hangs on the (I found this in the Spring half landing of the staircase 2009 edition of leading from the entrance to the reception area at the Reverberations. It had Institute. been reprinted from the It is rung twice every day at East Anglian Region 10.30 and 16.00 when the newsletter) staff gathers for tea. It is usually rung in the manner of a ship's watch, five bells in the morning and eight bells in the afternoon. Extract from A New Golden Dolly, the Art, Mystery and History of Corn Dollies Through the Ages by M. Lambeth, September 1966 © The Cornucopia Press, 22 Stonebridge Lane, Fulbourn, Cambs., CB1 5BW. Answers to the jokes: 1. Glove 2. Light 3. Silence 4. A priest 5. A secret 6. A coat of paint 7. A tennis ball 8. Your age 9. An anchor 10. A promise 11. An onion 12. The temperature YRoeuvnegrbVeibraratitoionnss 479 Autumn/Winter 2021

The Cambridgeshire Bell When the last load of Though we claim the bell for the harvest was the Cambridgeshire corn taken to the dolly, there is every reason to stackyard, the journey suppose that most eastern counties held the same through the procession with the ringing of country bells to announce the harvest lanes was a was once again safely stored. gay, happy procession. Here is one of the songs sung by the harvesters: The handbell “The boughs do shake, and ringers went the bells do ring, with it along with the harvest 'Lord' and So merrily comes our harvest his 'Lady'. in, The prettiest girl was chosen Our harvest in, our harvest in, to ride on the leading horse So merrily comes our harvest representing the Goddess in! Ceres. Naturally the bells Hurrah! Hurrah!” were rung to announce their (I found this in the Spring 2005 edition of coming and also as thanks for Reverberations.) a harvest safely gathered. From this piece of harvest custom comes the Cambridgeshire dolly. Answers to the word quiz:- 1. Base 2. Baton 3. Beat 4. Damp 5. Flat 6. Mallet 7. Natural 8. Note 9. Quaver 10. Rally 11. Repeat 12. Rest 13. Ring 14. Scale 15. Shake 16. Sharp 17. Tied 18. Time 19. Tone 20. Treble RYoeuvnegrbVeibraratitoionnss 545080 Autumn/Winter 2021