Early this year, it was suggested that the Alton Handbell Ringers could try hosting a summer concert with an informal atmosphere, where members of the audience would be encouraged to try their hand at bell ringing, alongside enjoying cups of tea and cakes. This would also be an opportunity to raise money to assist in our charitable donations.
And so it was, that after extensive study of the main summer sporting event calendar, the 28th July was agreed upon as this did not clash with the Euro football competition or Wimbledon. The concert would be held in Alton village hall.
We were unsure what the attendance would be but were pleased with the number of people there. A group of hand bell ringers and their guests from Madeley joined our audience.
We assembled early to practice both as a full team and for twelve bell ringing which was included in the concert to demonstrate a typical care home performance.
As usual, Wendy put together an interesting variety of pieces, and for the first time ever, we performed four pieces from stave music as opposed to the numerical format we normally play from. We were a ringer short for our first pieces and one of the Madeley ringers bolding came forward to ring with us. Our finale was Highland Cathedral which is now a firm favourite with the team.
After our main performance, Wendy and Alan played two pieces, ringing four bells each. These were the hymn Immortal Invisible and Alouette.
After this six of us played four pieces on twelve bells.
We received some very positive feedback after the concert and we encouraged people to come and look at our music and to have a go. This resulted in an attempt to play Resound and Rejoice which was, let’s say different! Jean’s grandchildren took part and it was great to see them having a go.
All in all, a very successful afternoon which was enjoyed by all. I thought that we all rang very well.
Thank you to all who provided the delicious cakes.
Dave Jones