ALTON HANDBELL Ringers had four new ringers join at the beginning of 2022 to make a team of 16 members. We leased a two-octave set of handbells from HRGB last year, which has enabled us to double up on some parts to help with training and provide extra volume if needed. We enjoyed three full team concerts in November and December2022.The final one in Alton village hall was our fundraiser for the local hospice when we raised£775.The evening included Peter Walker, one of our team, leading a rousing sing-along of the Twelve Days of Christmas, on his accordion. We were even asked for an encore of Frosty the Snowman, at the end of the concert! A twelve-bell team rang at Chatsworth House on two occasions over Christmas. We were under a gazebo in the courtyard, donning Christmas hats and being full of Christmas cheer in spite of the cold! We had an appreciative audience and we always ask the children to join us for Jingle Bells on some small sets of jingle bells. We were pleased to be asked back into nursing homes for the first time since COVID. We had so many requests that we visited some after Christmas. We go with a twelve-bell team for these. We recently rang twelve bells at the beautiful Bethesda Chapel in Hanley. It is one of the largest non-conformist chapels outside of London and was built in 1819.There is a long, ongoing campaign to restore it. The acoustics were wonderful and we especially enjoyed playing 'Sheep may safely graze'. We continue to meet weekly and enjoy our monthly tea and cake sessions! We are working towards our autumn and Christmas concerts